Patti,
What are some of the specific things you do to try to develop these HABEs in students who do not already have them?
The successful students usually demonstrate responsibility and confidence. No matter how painful it is to come to class on time, or how painful the class itself is, they still come, sit through and participate. Also, they are confident in themselves and do not let a challenge distract their focus. Students who are not successful usually lack dedication and allow any/all excuses get in their way from performing. Many times, students use their disability as an excuse (I can't focus because I have dyslexia, I can't focus because I'm sick, I can't do this because I have to work, My mother's sick, my uncle died...etc). You name it, I've had it.
My most successful students show up to class, on-time and genuinely care about the work they are doing as a part of their schooling. I believe that attendance is a major predictor of future success here on campus as well as in the workplace. Students have to put the effort into attending classes, if they don't have the desire/drive to show up then I think it is hard for them to be successful.
Institute tutoring times and encourage students to attend.Some students are embarrased to ask for help so we make it available to them.Or put some study groups together.This positive environment helps some students change their attitude to a certain degree.Or have a Q&A time with the class on their study habits.This kicks around different ideas and helps students understand how they learn.
Thanks for the great post, Theresa.
The HABE's seen in successful students include the following:
1. Habits. These are the students who attend class daily and come prepared to learn. They have their textbooks, paper, and pencils on the first day of class. They have good study habits in place and they complete their assignments daily. Many of these skills need to be taught to adults. Suggestions and ideas can easily be given by any instructor. I try to incorporate at least one or two "study habit" tips each class period.
2. Attitudes. These are the students who come to an assignment or test with the frame of mind that they will "Ace" the work. They expect to recieve to get an "A" in the course. Their study habits prepared them for the material. I make it a point to stop students from saying words that take on a negative attitude. These words are not allowed within my classroom. I always make them restate their comments in a positive way.
3. Beliefs. Successful students often have a strong support system at home. They come to class knowing that they will graduate and recieve a good job. Instructors need to make it a conscious effort to provide positive feedback and encouragement to each and every student on a daily basis. This may be the only words of positive reinforcement that your students will receive. I constantly ask my students to encourage others.
4. Expectations. Successful students come to class expecting to have a good day in class. I constantly remind my students that I have confidence that they will be successful in all that they attempt to do. I make it a point to know my students' strengths and weaknesses. I make it a point to stress the areas where each student is successful.
They are in class everyday, practice positive thinking and behaviors, they are interested in learning and do study. Sometimes a student that is not successful has their mind focused on other things in their life and not their education.
Thanks, Ken.
What are the HABEs of your most successful students?
Agree.....support HABE's reinforce the student HABE. We have to step in and often provide the student with alternative HABE's which can be difficult in the short time we have with them. We can make a difference, though, by providing these alternatives.
You've nailed it. My students who are in jeopardy of failing either because of attendance or poor performance seem to rarely even realize it. As if they don't even know what hit them, so to speak. That is our never ending challenge: to attempt to early identify these students and show them that they matter to us. We have to somehow find ways to do this because these students seem to always wait until it's too late to seek help and by that time I can tell they are pretty stressed and it's hard to keep them optimistic.
My best students (not just achievers in class but those who show PROFESSIONAL potential) are both a) self aware and b) can get outside of themselves. By this I mean the student can sublimate their own personal opinions to their desire to learn and achieve. This, I think, makes them better listeners and they more easily engage the course content. The other kind of students have big trouble with this. They seem to be so inside their own heads that they can't listen or engage the course material. My tactics have changed over the years with the latter group. I have found some ways to help them embrace the challenges in the course (mostly by simply being supportive and encouraging). These students do not quite ever get as far (or as much out of the course) as those who are naturally more engaging.
we as teachers can help students to inspire them to reach out for our help. let them know we are their for them. they need someone to talk to that we as teachers can be their mentors and lead them in the right direction in their career. also by helping to set goals to inspire them.
Thanks, Stephen
What are some things you do to help students who do not have as much experience in school or in life to make up the difference?
What I've observed is successful students mostly have more experience with not only the school environment but with life experience as well.
I totally agree. A support system is essential for a student to graduate! They need to feel safe, encouraged and well supported.
I've noticed that successful students see themselves working in their chosen profession and they usually find someone to act as a mentor or role model for them. They try to emulate behavior they see around them that can help them achieve their goals. They find the help they need to succeed!
Students who succeed seem to have alot of drive. They are very determined and they do not give up. They may or may not ask for help but they all do accept help when it is offered. They ask alot of great questions. They care about their success and they have a clear vision of where they want to be, even if they are unsure how they are going to get there.
One of the biggest differences I have noticed is that the most successful students are always willing to help others. They consistently say that they learn more when they are helping a fellow student.
I have noticed that some potentially successful students, who get competitive about grades early in their program, tend to give up if they lose too many times. The most successful never give up.
Successful students show up on time every day,excited about participating in lab activities and show overall enthusiasm. not as successful students lack in the above items and need that little extra push sometimes.
