Solid connections
I always try to make a good connection with our students, either from a shared experience (our median age for students is very close to mine), similar background, taste in music or more importantly my time as a student in the same school. I've found that one conversation at the right moment can be monumental in motivating a student to achieve more.
I agree, when they see we are paying attention and can relate to them they take us more seriously. It also helps me understand how to reach the individual student and teach them how they best learn.
I have found that just showing interest in them as individuals and in their lives helps alot. Once they realize that I care about them as people, they seem to alow me in more and see me as a person and not just as a teacher. I believe that they are open to paying attention better this way.
Kristin,
Great points. Thanks for sharing them.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I also agree that you need to connect with you students to help them accomplish their goals and help them understand the material. My students are also close to my age and some are older. I try to find something to help motivate all of them and stay connected as much as possible. I think also sharing an experience at the right moment may also show your students that you are human also and that you to can also make mistakes as long as you learn from them.
I agree. I try to find an opportunity to catch each student at some point during the semester one-on-one to find out more about them and also to let them know a little more about me. I try to find a common and unique connection so it makes the student feel important and that they are cared about.
Totally agree. Connecting with them on some level is important. I always start a term by explaining to students that I plan on learning just as much from them as I hope they learn from me and that the only reason I get to be on the other side of the desk is because I have done this before. I listen when they talk and make sure I truly try to understand their goals and even their frustrations. It builds a relationship that lasts a very long time. After 14 years of teaching in the same school, I am happy to report that I still keep in touch with many of my students who have graduated years ago.
Connections is indeed the key! We nned to get them to connect to us and to each other to have the best possible results.
I think connecting with students is key. This allows us to find the ones that are having trouble and do not like speaking up. Once you are on a pesonal level with them, and show that you can relate, they tend to open up and accept help. When they finally understand and receive praise, they tend to open up more and become better learners. They now want to come to class which improves retention.
