Get a life
Instructors need to remember that everyone has a personal life that can and will take priority over what class they are taking. As professionals, we can often learn to put aside our problems and fall into the subject we are delivering. Students are not trianed or do not have the experience to do this and they allow their personal lives to run over their school lives. We must accept this as normal, work with them to some degree to try to help them, and, most importantly, accept the fact that sometimes we just cannot make the world better for all and make due with what we have to work with for the day.
Hi Ronald,
Part of what we are doing is trying to help students to develop some coping skills in relation to balancing their personal and professional lives. This is a challenge but any help we can give them will be beneficial since they are going to have to develop such skills if they are going to be successful in the work world.
Gary
I agree,if we give the student a hard time for not meeting a deadline,or get on thier case for missing a class,we add more stress to what may already be a stressful day for them.My students tend too let me know when they have to compromise thier training due to something in thier personal life.This gives me the opportunity to fill them in on what they may miss,and the student has a better chance of being up to date when they return,as well as showing I care.After all,they are going to miss the time any way.
I am amazed at the schedules some of my students keep. They have full time jobs and go to school 5 hours a day, five days a week. It's not hard for me to have empathy for them.
Hi Dale,
An understanding of what your students are going through helps to bring a sense of reality to how you plan your instruction as you plan for your students' success.
Gary
I agree. I have many students that work 40+ hours a week, go to school for 5-7 hours a day and manage to care for a family at home - sometimes by themselves. These are generally the students that have the most drive and discipline. It is something that I have to constantly remind myself of and be emphathic to.
I agree with ronald gore, we do have to be exepting and understanding as teachers about students personal lives, even in the field it is the job of your boss to juggle the buisness with employee needs. But I believe that part of what school teaches you is how as a student to juggle your personal life with you professional life. This lesson in life is important and should be reflected in there grade.
Our students have many things on their plate each semester it continues to grow. With the economy the way it is, many students have had to get second jobs or move back home. I find that having a open door policy and office hours and email assist them and me greatly. It let's them know that I am hear and can be contacted anytime. We take moments to start our class discussing hot topics that are effecting them now. Taking it day by day and adjusting your needs to meet theirs as best as you can is what you can do!
Hi Shantana,
Good plan to react to the issues that are facing students in today's setting. By being available you are letting them know you care about them and their success.
Gary
I remind myself of this almost daily. The class that I am teaching just might not be the most important thing in a student's life right now. I love when the students are excited about a paper or project, but I am no longer surprised when their "Real Life" takes priority once they leave the classroom. All I have to do is remember once being there myself. Crystal Berntson
Hi Crystal,
You make a good point about the realism of teaching. Life does take over for our students and by remembering that we are all former students and have been where they are we can be more understanding. Plus, we can work at bringing them back into focus when life situations distract them.
Gary
I agree. Most of my students are working one or two jobs and full time school but are getting their work done on time. When I was in College I worked two jobs and attended classes full time. I made it through and actually had a decent grade point. I am now teaching and working a second job so I know what most of my students are going through and they know what I am going through. It doesn't mean that I am always going to cut them a break - they can and do get the work done. They are situations that the instructor needs to be flexible. Life throws all kinds of situations at you.
Hi Mark,
Life does throw all kinds of curves and we have to be able to cope with them if we are going to be successful. Your points are good ones about how you were able to do it and that you are supportive of your students being able to do it as well.
Gary
Yes...we can all do our best to try and make the most effective path available. They work long hours, many have children, wives and lives...lets keep it interesting!
Hi Eddie,
Good point. Having an understanding of where they are coming from and the loads they have in their lives helps us to be responsive to the support they need to continue on in class.
Gary
