positive message
Vocational training happens so fast for the student and as instructors we need to give positive influince to our students by giveing them a sense of accomplishment every day,and the feeling of success in every project they perform.
I totally area with you. Our programs at our school only last a year and we have so many students that need so much encouragment. I have noticed that a lot of our instructors provide so much incouragement within the classroom and even take some time to pull students aside that need extra encouragement.
The more encouragment your give youe students the more you will connect with them.
The more positive reinforcement you can give , the more the student gets into the subject mater.
I believe that even if a student has a problem in a area you can turn that around by showing them that the mistake is a learning experience and that most of the time we will perhaps even learn more by our mistake and that it will stay with us longer to make sure we dont make that same mistake again.....giving positive reinforcement for doing a good job works great but help when mistakes are made sometimes works even better.
I agree with you.
To achieve this we often need to make time as often don't have the available time regular schedule due to the number of students in a class. In lab activities predominantly. Some students 3 weeks is not enough time.
That's all many are looking for. It becomes a problem with some however, almost an obsession ,for lack of motivation if " I" don't get something for every little thing the instructor asks of them. It's easier and more positive to praise than to negatively criticise or neglect rewarding progress.
i agree. i try to connect with every student by sitting and talking with them about what ever some times just so they know i am there and care
How often do you do this? How frequently with any particular student? Is this during class?
Time seems to always be a factor . As a instructor I have to multi task all day to give the students the attention they need
Very True, A little possitive influince can go a long way into gaining a students attentiveness also.
I also work at a vocational schoo. I conduct orientation for every new class, day and evening. I return to the classes frequently just to be seen and ask how things are going. I always tell them how great they are doing and that I would love to have them stop by and let me know how they are doing. I really enjoy talking to the students that take me up on the offer!
I agree that students need a sense of accomplishment and constructive and positive feedback to them on a daily and weekly basis can provide this. One of the practices I had all instructors in my department implement several quarter ago was sending ALL students in the class a farewell letter. The letter would be formatted to pick out something positive about the student with which to end the class as well as reinforce their commitment to school overall.
A farewell letter is a great idea. Have you also considered a welcome/challenge letter?
All instructors online also issue a welcome letter. In the welcome letter, the instructor introduces him or her self, lists qualifications to teach the course, and outlines the benefits (WIIFM) of the course for all students. Online instructors also issue a class policies letter separate from the welcome letter to set course expectations right up front. That way, students are exposed to what they will get from the course, how they may apply it in both their personal and professional lives, and what the instructor expectations are for successful completion of the course.
Inforcing a positive environment and attitude with students helps them to believe in themselves and in turn helps them learn. When they learn they feel better about themselves. Rewarding students for little things, creates a big impact on their ability to learn more.
Do you have any specific examples of rewards you have used and their observed impact, Vickie?