About me
I am a Lead Instructor here at Sanford-Brown College in Phoenix. I am also the Faculty Development Advocate and Online Advocate.
Carolyn Marks
Location: phx, az
Activity
Discussion Comment
@YMR8rDvA : I think that in order for students to maintain their motivation, they have to be reminded of "Whats in it for them". At the beginning of each course, the class discusses why they are here, what they want from their education, and where they want to be in the future. Many will say, "I want spending money" or "I want a new place to live" or "I want a car". Then we discuss long range goals (owning a house, traveling, retirement, etc.). We discuss that in order to get there, we have to start on succeeding one class… >>>
Discussion Comment
I think creating a non-threatening environment is VERY important for students. They really have the opportunity to blossom when they feel they will not be made to feel foolish or silly in front of others, when they feel what they have to say is valued, and when they realize we are all in this together.
Discussion Comment
As the Faculty Development Advocate at our higher education institution, I have seen time again the downfall of new instructors because they entered their class with minimal preparation and were sorely unprepared. Preparation helps promote confidence for instructors and is often half the battle to a successful class. Is there anything worse than entering a class without all the necessary materials, lesson mapped out, topic to be covered? I would imagine student would rapidly lose respect for teachers who enter the classroom this way. I will often map out my hours in class in 30 minute increments so my time… >>>
End of Content
End of Content
Yes and sometimes, students will come in late or misbehave simply to get attention (much like children do at times - any attention, bad or good, is desired). By promoting positive attention and letting the students know they are valued as people and not just a warm body filling a seat, they will be more willing to put forth effort in their studies. They will often want to please you as an instructor and will not want to disappoint you.