Instructor Presence
Greetings!
I think the most important component of supporting student retention is a strong instructor presence. This is maintained by adapting one's teaching methods to accommodate the diversity of adult learners in the classroom. This is quite important when considering the students have a range of learning styles and needs depending on their backgrounds and personal profiles.
Naomi,
Connecting with students based on their learning styles is very important! Providing meaningful and motivating assignments and activities is also important. You mentioned in another post how you developed a warm learning environment through your posts, bio, etc. - this all helps to establish your presense in the class as well. Do you do anything special to try to connect to many different learning styles as once in your classrooms?
Herbert Brown III
Hi Naomi,
I agree. If the students do not feel the instructor's presence in the classroom, they feel that they don't have to participate and that we, the instructor, do not have their best interest at heart.
When reading my emails from students, I can tell by the questions which ones are confused or frustrated and need me to reach out via a phone call. When we talk it out, sometimes they did understand the information but just needed the personal confirmation that they are on track. My me reaching out to them (email or phone), they know I am involved with their learning experience.
I totally agree that the instructor's presence in the classroom (online) must be felt for some if not most students to succeed. I believe online learning requires more self-discipline, and I've noticed that my presence and interaction with the students holds them more accountable, which in turn helps them achieve their goals and success.
The Instructor presence is needed otherwise thent he students only recognize the computer. Inotherwords they need the human touch.
Geri,
How can you establish instructor presence in an online course. In an online class your physical presence and authority in the classroom help to establish your presence. But in an online course you don't get that physical presence so how do you establish your presence and/or authority in an online classroom?
Herbert Brown III
I couldn't agree with you more Naomi. It's so encouraging for our students when they know we are constantly present.
Naomi,
Well said, it is absolutely imperative they instructors presence be felt, it give the students a sense of security. Also,taking into account the diversity of your students, their backgrounds and the many different ways in which the adult learner internalize imformation makes it easier for you to present the meterial in a palatable manner.
When it comes to student-centered e-learning, it is extremely important to show 110% commitement as an instructor. It is equally important to show the students the dedication as an instructor and the opportunity for the instructor to receive strong feedback and interactive learning from the student. E-learning alone can seem like a lonely environment to be part of oppose to on ground, so the more presence from the instructor the better.
