Students are human
Understanding and recognizing characteristics of students is essential for sucessful learning in my opinion.
I forget the position the students are in sometimes, many of them working a job and going to school at the same time. I may give a lecture friday night and must remember to give the students a review before the test on monday.I try to help the students anyway I can but stay within the rules.
Hi Joseph,
It is good to pause at times and think about the experiences your students are going through. Trying to work, raise a family and be a student is a tough assignment. As an instructor you can help them in anyway to continue on their career path but the most important thing to do is to encourage them to stay the course. In spite of all the challenges they soon will have a set of skills and a knowledge base that will help them to realize their career goal. To be a part of helping them achieve that goal is why teaching is such a great profession.
Gary
In my school range of ages and background vary greatly, many students work full time jobs and have many obligations in additon to school. I believe it's essential to recognize these differences and needs to provide an effective learning experience
Hi Tim!
I, also, work in a school with students whose ages range from 17 to 90, and it is a challenge to work with many in the same classroom. I try to discuss students' obligations outside my classroom and compare what they have to do both in class and when they leave. At times, because I teach many communications classes, I modify their assignments to work well with their 'outside' activities, then we discuss when they return to the classroom setting. I really enjoy the feedback from students of varying ages, and I think many benefit from the other (whether younger students benefit from comments older students make, or vice versa.)
I agree, Dr. Meers. I think we are in unique situations as instructors, and I try to take advantage of each situation. With my online students, I encourage them to share their lives outside class, and I tailor or change assignments to meet the particular situations they encounter. I want them to know that I am human, too!
I agree. Students are people too. Many of my students work, have families, legal issues etc. I sometimes have a hard time relating to them. I offen find myself stepping back trying to find away to reach them without judging. I find that when I do that it is easier to reach them. Mr. C
I have a difficult time relating at times as well. That is probably where I learn the most from them.
I agree. Sometimes I feel like I am from another planet when I hear some of the students' situations. Teaching is a two way street and I always feel that I learn from them. I hear some instructors say things that when they went to school it was tough working,raising children, and going to school. It simply is not the same. I find several students every quarter dealing with homelessness, domestic violence issues, and ptsd from past experiences. It gets so complex and I try to get them connected with the right resources to help them be succesful. Sometimes it can get overwhelming.
I don't think the issues have changed, just been labeled differently in today's society. As for the issues 'we' as instructors dealt with, they really aren't much different. If we keep in mind that in one time in our lives, we were in their shoes, and do some of the things we wish our instructors could have done for us, it helps us as much as it helps the students. What do they call it now, validation? Grandpa would say "Toughen up, kid" , we now say "You're doing a great job", same meaning- different wording...
Hi David,
Well said. As instructors we have to keep our eyes and ears open to what are students are "really" saying about the course and their success within it. This way you can adapt and change as needed to keep them focused on learning.
Gary
