Experiments
I found that the experiments that were suggested were a little callous. I do not think it is right to treat students different than others. If the technique has been proven in studies by professional researchers than it should be instituted across the entire student body.
I agree with Mr. Omeara completely, we should treat all our students the same.
Absolutely!!! I feel that in light of current multi-concessional events that we the instructors need to pursue higher excellence in order to put forth a non-biased atmosphere.
I concur with Mr. Poor and Mr. Omera. attention to detail is very important in maintaining a relationship with students.
Each student brings something quite different to the table of education. The trough of learning needs to be kept wide open. We must experiment to see where the student stands in their level of understanding and skills. Then facilitate their growth with encouragement and light pressure. I would rather focus on experimentation and motivation, rather then punishment and fear of making a mistake. I don't want to focus on the judge and fear part, but more on the growth and development. That way I get the most effort from my students.
While I do agree that our students need to all be held to the same academic expectations; I do not believe that "we should treat all our stduents the same". No two people have the same life experiences and respond to the same presentation or classroom experience in the exact same manner. Thus, it is not possible to treat everyone the same. Yes, expectations should be created for our students, but they can not be clear cut black and white. There must be some grey area to work within. Especially with adult students who are balancing multiple responsibilities. Yes, they have chosen to do this, but the simple fact that they continue to come to class and do what they can (even if it is not what you might expect of yourself)is testiment to their desire to reach their educational goal and that alone must be respected. All that said, I don't believe that we should hand out grades or allow for poor student work. Instead as the instructor we have to help students find the path to reach those high academic expectations and that is where treating everyone the same falls apart.
Julie,
This is a great post. In our business, we need to recognize the many roles our students play in thie lives. Too often, teachers expect our students to be students first and to ignore other life responsibilities, especially while they are on campus.
We cannot ask a student who is a spouse, a parent and an employee to put any of those things behind their role as a student. Our job is to help them find ways manage all of these roles.
Your first point is important. At the end of the day, our students must develop the skills and knowledge that are needed for their career. We just need to recognize that there are a variety of routes that can get them to the same destination.
This is an enlightening forum for me because I am at times guilty of expecting my students to focus on school above all else. This is mainly because I have the ability to displace all else to the task at hand. I was able to do this when I attended school and expect the same from my students, forgetting that everyone is different. I will practice helping students manage thier problems and focus rather than advising them to focus on school above all else.
This point is critical. We have to remember that this adult students have a life that they are trying to improve for the most part.
In one of my classes it is actually part of our discussion on the first day to explore the barriers the students have that may hinder completion of their goals and we come up with possible solutions or Plan B's so to speak.
This has worked really nicely to create a feeling of being wanted and part of a team in the classroom.
