Our business is changing lives.
I believe we are in the business of providing a path for future employment in a field I hope they are excited about. We can provide all types of knowledge and experience and know how but they are the ones who come here to change their present life.
It sad to say but most have no desire to change their present lives and it shows at graduation.
sometimes if you just remind a student that you were also once in the same shoes that they are standing in, and tell them how you overcame your doubts and fears it helps them realize that what they are up against doesn't have to be so overwhelming.
I agree with this statement. Often times all a student needs to become motivated is a simple "you can do it." Perhpas they have never heard this before from anyone.
Thanks, Steven. We never know when our kind workds will be the thing that keeps a student inspired to keep working toward his or her goals.
I have to keep reminding myself how just a few kinds words can be enough to really give a student a positive boost.
I have seen first hand a word of encouragement, sit down with them and let them know you have the confidence in them. "We just need to get you to see what I see in you" I'll often time sit down at there table with them and assure them that if they don’t pick up the concept this way, then I’ve got several different angles we can attack this. The key is ask! in class or one on one. I'll tell them about the old saying there’s no such thing as a dumb question. Then I tell them hay give me a minute or so and I can come up with several. Like What if the Hokey Pokey is what it's all about? How ever anything from day one to the end of the course is fair game! Your asking may even help a fellow student who was to nerves to ask the same thing. Your questions are also a great help to my teaching.
Jim,
Thank you for this post. What are some of the things you do to make your classes fun?
I feel that our attitude at all times can make the difference in the students education experience. The way we handle all situations can enhance learning. I try to make learning fun That being said I sometimes see the students succeed. I can then see the growth from when the students enters and when the students leave the class.
Thank you, Shaun. Some students need more help from us than others. It is great to see you are willing to give that help even when it takes a while for the light to come on.
These are the moments we look for as educators. Too often we go home and think about the things that went badly that day. If we can think about the positive impact we make, we'll be much better teachers as we internalize a positive attitude.
I also have seen student's change wile going threw the program. Most of them are here to help that happen and we just need to give them a little help.
I believe as an instructor it is my business to help my students change their lives. Sometimes it is words of encouragement or just listening. I have seen the miracles happen in students lives the light comes on and they realize they have something to offer and they find some self worth.
