Thanks, Leslie. Keep on helping students develop these HABEs.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Students that are more successful seem to have higher self-efficacy. They know that they are going to finish from the start. They also tend to see beyond their roadblocks. They don't let them get in the way of their success. Habits include: coming to class each meeting, asking questions, and doing the work. These students are great to have in class; however, I think that other students can get to these positive HABEs with some help. That is what we as instructors are here to do.
I have noticed that the most successful student's listen first and proceed to do the task at hand. They take the initiative. If something needs to be done they do not wait for the next person to do it. They have come to learn and they absorb everything that you tell them.
What separates mine most is not the grade - a student can have a negative attitude and poor expectations and still get an A - it's the engagement in the classroom and with other students that really makes the good ones shine and makes my class fun!
My highest achieving students are self-motivated. Intrinsic motivation is far more powerful than any intrinsic reward. A student will always srtive to excel when the goal is to be the best or to achieve their potential. But the student whose goal is to "pass and get out of school" will only do enough to eek by. You can't teach motivation, but you can cultivate it.
Rose,
I do find this as well, with regards to praising the students on a job well done--they really appreciate it and keep up their efforts. The feel a different attitude towards their learning, such as working harder to get better marks.
Cheers
S. Somnarain
My most successful students have extremely positive attitudes, are concerned with their appearance and embrace the learning process. They are also very personable and have good communication skills. They are popular with their peers and they are a pleasure to educate.
*Consitently recognize, reward those behaviors that will lead to success-- publicly recognize perfect attendance - pins/bulletin board, student portal.
*"Teacher Bucks" handed out to students with on time attendance, professional behavior, fully in uniform.
*Motivational stickers on student work
*Themed activities-- such as green shamrocks for March that say:"I'm lucky to be at Sanford-Brown College because"--partially based on last month's Harvard Business Review artical about the 5 activities folks do everyday to move the happiness needle to a higher level.
*Partner students with specific issues with staff mentors who model the desired behavior. Hiring a student to work who needed to understand how to diffuse tense situations with peers and superiors-to work in an office where that's done alot.
Lee,
Thanks for a well-written post. What aere some ways you use to help students to develop better HABEs?
Jeffrey Schillinger
The quote "Whether you think you can or can't, you're probably right." has been attributed to Henry Ford. Successfull students visualize and internalize positive outcome which in turn program their subconscious mind, which then makes unconscious decisions on how they act and interpret their world, defines their expressions, body language, tone of their voice and a host of unconscious behaviors.
Barbara L. Fredickson's seminal work on the connection between postiive emotions and resiliance suggests student persistence is directly influenced by their HABEs. The most successful students have a core belief that ultimately they will succeed. That core belief allows the subconscious to subtly alter unsuccessfull habits, expectations that may subvert the core belief, etc.
Andrea ,
Thanks for this post. What are one or two things you do to try to get students to who come to you without these HABEs to develop them?
Jeffrey Schillinger
The most important habbits of successful students are showing up to class on time every day prepared. They care about their appearance and following rules. They are organized and check their syllabus so they are ready to learn.
They also usually sit towards the front of the class so they can be close to the instructor.
Dianne,
Thanks. What are one or two things you do to help students who do not come to you wth these HABEs to develop them?
Jeffrey Schillinger
They seem to have a great family support system. Excellent study habits, and a belief that they can accomplish their goal.
Victoria,
What are one or two specific things you do to try to build these HABEs into students who do not already have them?
Jeffrey Schillinger
students who come in with an open mind ready to learn are the most successful. Those students who are able to disscuss the class with their peers and banter with them also seem to do well. Being on time, being awake being prepared are also basic traits
The successful ones seem to embrace the value of the rules and guidelines we set instead of constantly questioning them. Yes, I think it is important to always question, and yes rules and guidelines do change, but the successful students seem to be the ones who, for example, see the value of a clean uniform and having your recipes transcribed before class.
Dale,
Thanks! what are some of hte toughest HABEs you have been required to address with students who are now successful?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have seen numerous students come into school totally unequipped to succeed, only to turn it around with the help of good mentors and encouragement. So even though a student comes into the program with rough HABE's it can be turned around with the proper guidance.
Richard,
That is a great way to put it. Thanks!
Jeffrey Schillinger
