Student- centered learning and communication are key parts in student education.

Understanding that outside factors can be challenges for students, and as an instructor it my job to help to encourage the student and guide them.

I have learned that there are a few areas I could improve on and that there are a few areas I have been already doing. Looking forward to seeing the success of implementing these new areas of improvement. 

Self-directed learning is very important for students learning.  Most adult learners are very self-motivated and just need additional guidance for learning a specific skill.  I always say that I am a "tool for learning, a source of reference, a guide".  

Prescriptive advising is factual answers, concrete answers.  Developmental advising is different than prescriptive advising because it involves a more theoretical stance following cognitive development theory, psychosocial theory, and person-environmental interaction theory.  Both the student and the advisor take responsibility for the advising but allows the student to take responsibility for his or her decision.  Advising steps may include exploration of life goals, and vocational goals, program choice, course choice and scheduling classes.  I will focus my attention on the student showing a caring attitude, be an open listener, and advise the student as necessary.  

Listening without hearing or understanding is not effective listening.  Active listening includes understanding the speaker/student by showing through verbal and nonverbal communication that you are listening.  With nonverbal communication, it is important to focus on the student, keep physical barriers like desk from separating you from the speaker, do not stare, and allow the speaker time to talk without interrupting.  Verbal communication allows the listener to show that they understand what is being said to them and encouraging the student to speak.  Smile because you mean it.  

Students as customers is definitely an interesting topic.  I agree with the customer-oriented instruction guidelines provided:  Listen attentively, Treat students fairly and equally, and create a closer personal relationship with students to minimize any negative effects.  Instructors are tools for the student to learn.  

After reading this discussion, I will take into consideration that each student has different situations, barriers, and lifestyles that may affect their learning experience.  As an instructor I need to realize that adults learn differently than children.  I will do my best to support and assist students with references available to enhance learning.   

The biggest hurdle I have found to this type of teaching method is what to do with students who don't complete the work outside of class?  I have tried to implement this strategy into a class before and 1/2 to 1/3 of students either don't have the time or the means to access work outside of class.  This leaves a good chunk of students behind.

Advisings are an important part of teaching and can't be ignored. It's important that the student is aware of any short-comings and also how we can help them to become more successful. Many students I find, aren't quite aware of how to catch up if they fall behind and a good plan and conversation can put them right back on the path to success.