Should students be more responsible for their own learning?
I believe students should be more responsible for their own learning. In some cases, students expect to have only testable course material taught to them. They don't beiieve studying the accompanying course material as relative course material. However, this material explains the testable theories and practices and is very relavant and needed. The onus is on the student to take responsibility for their learning.
Hi Chris,
Students must learn that they must be responsible for their own actions because it is tough in the real world, and no one is going to allow them to point the finger at them.
Patricia Scales
I think students ultimately should be responsible. I, as their teacher, should prompt them in the right direction, though.
Hi Christina,
I agree! If students are responsible for their own teachers then they do not need an instructor. We must provide guidance, direction, assistance, and facilitation to ensure students understand their concepts.
Patricia Scales
While students do need to take responsibility in dedicating the time and effort to learn the necessary material, the instructor also has responsibilities. The instructor is responsible for providing the material to the student so that the student is able to grasp and apply the concepts being taught. To avoid an inaccurate perception that students are not taking responsibility it is necessary to speak/advise the student. Why is the student not succeeding - is it lack of understanding the material or some other factor?
This is not to imply that the student does not bear responsibility when having difficulty with the material. Did the student come to the instructor seeking help? Often, I find that I need to contact students to discuss their academic difficulties to create a plan to move forward.
Hi Louise,
It is a great idea to come up with a game plan to help students succeed when they are failing. Students appreciate knowing that we have their best interest at heart.
Patricia Scales
This is such an important topic for me. I have students who yes, actually believe that if they don't do the work or challenge themselves to accomplish the goals outlined in the class, that they should merely pass because they are a paying student. I actually had one student comment, "Well, if this school is this hard, I'll go somewhere else." I was absolutely floored.
Achieving higher education is a privilege, something that someone works hard for. The minute we eliminate the challenge of achieving a higher degree and offer it as a guaranteed right, we cheapen the very accomplishments that we have so fervently strived for.
Dr. Kimberly M. Perkins, MEd, NHA, ACHCA
Hi Kimberly,
I concur! A lot of our students do not believe in working for an education. They want it to be given to them. I let my students know that I do not give out grades, they must be earned.
Patricia Scales
I tell my students that they will get out of a class what they put into it. In other words learning a new skill takes effort and dedication.
I feel student learning is a two-way street. We, as instructors, are responsible to provide the material and learning techniques to cover the student needs. However, it is also the responsibility of the student to read the assigned material and prepare for the class prior to the lecture. This will allow the student to at least be familiar with the subject.
If students receive a score of 75% or below, they are put on academic advising through our Dental Hygiene department.
Kim Clark
Hi Kimberlee,
Students want us to pull our weight as educators and rightfully so, but some students will not pull their weight as students. We must motivate our students to do.
Patricia Scales
