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Ask a question from your peers to help you in your professional work. Seek different points of view on a topic that interests you. Start a thought-provoking conversation about a hot, current topic. Encourage your peers to join you in the discussion, and feel free to facilitate the discussion. As a community of educators, all members of the Career Ed Lounge are empowered to act as a discussion facilitator to help us all learn from each other.

Customer Service and Students

Schools and colleges exist for the sole purpose of servicing students. Without students there are these institutions would not exist. The benefits and experiences that students gain from their educational institution prepare them for the real world after their education is complete. It is essential that students received a positive educational experience. A positive educational experience consist of treating students with dignity and respect. This is a basic human necessity and right.Giving students clear directions on how to solve their problems and issues. Give timely answers to students’ questions and regular feedback on their progress. .

resumes

One method I use to emphasize the validity of my course material is to list skill sets that can be used on a resume from the current class. An activity that could motivate students when experiencing burnout might be to have them create a cumulative list of skills acquired thus far in their training.

Kindness

Once a student of mine had his head down. That's against school policy. However, it was obvious to me that he genuinely felt bad. After asking him if he was okay and finding out he was not at all, I bought him a sprite and found a quiet place for him to rest. He is graduated now and loyal to me to a disproportionate degree....just from that one act of empathy. In fact, the entire class was impressed. Now, I did not care for him out of an agenda but out of concern. Just another example of seeing our adult learners as individuals with different needs on different days.

adult learners

the one challenge that i see as an instructuor , is keeping all types of learning styles engaged in the lectures. some adult learners ; have a different outlook than other younger students.

Stories to help students.

Does anyone know how to train elephants? For those who do not know how to train elephants let me explain. When a baby elephant is born, trainers will tie a short rope around the baby elephant’s leg staked to the ground. The baby quickly will learn they can only go so far in life and not any further. When the elephant grows up the rope that was holding the baby elephant could be torn away from the stake; however, the elephant has already believed they can only go this far in life. Reality is that the adult elephant can break away and do anything. I do not know if it was a teacher, a parent, family, or whoever, but many students have a metaphoric rope tied around their leg. Many have been told education is not for them. They can’t learn. It is not for them. The truth is they can do anything they would like, they are not baby elephants anymore! The mystery of mastery is repetition. Dr. Adrian De Grot McDonald workers struggle at first, six weeks later they are board because the job is so easy. Everyone can learn! Neuroplasticity of the brain happens at any age. To thy own self be true. William Shakespeare If it takes 7 times 70, do that. Of course students get the Paul Harvey version, “The rest of the story.” Please share your motivational story!

Understanding Student Characteristics

This module reminded me to seek out each of my student's similarities and differences.

My method of meeting the customers expectations

I try and query the students about what their expectations are from the class, not just on a piece of paper but actually have a discussion about what they want to get out of the class. If the expecations are not in line with the learning objectives I try and explain how what we plan on learning may benefit them in some way either now academically or later in their career. By linking some practical piece to the learning objectives, they are typically more satisfied as customers and their expectations are met early on.

Keeping your students interested

I find that by sharing my experiences within my career allows the students to see what is possible and achievable in their own careers.

Motivating through reinforcement

I always provide feedback no later than the next time the class meets. It's important for the student to realize their performance.

Student Frustrations

As an instructor I feel it is important to maintain professionalism and understanding when dealing with students who have transportation issues, children at home to take care of, issues at work that they bring to the classroom. I meet with my students regularly and LISTEN to what they have to say and offer ways to deal with these situations.

Small Group Participant Blues

What do you find motivates adult career students to produce their best work in and outside of class in small groups?

Engerizing Students

What techniques do you use to get your students to come back to class week after week?

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.

Naysayer Students

After giving a project that applies an elective course objective, what's the best approach for engaging adult learners who feel that elective courses are irrelevant for their career path?

Motivating Students

How do you motivate students in "required" or pre-requisite course?

Adult Learning

As a medical coding and billing instructor, I find it difficult at times to change the perception of adult learners. I've had a few aldut learners that had worked in the field and returned to school for the certification. Not having the proper training and/or basic foundation, they have developed bad habits and inaccurate approach that is difficult for them to break. How can I address this situation without being negative and creating additional stress.

They don't like the subject I teach

I find myself challenged by the fact that I teach a course that the students have to take but most of them don't really like. Looking for ideas to transfer my enthusiasm for the subject onto them.

Students choosing due dates?

i like the idea of letting the students have some choice in assignment details but is it really helpful to let them choose due dates? I think that that is too much autonomy.Should I make it that the later the date the more complicated the task? I don't want students taking forever to do easy assignments as that might drag the class down.

Student Customers

If you ask the right questions of your students you should identify that they have different needs and learning styles. That way you can adapt your style to better suit their needs.It is always important that you are approachable to all your student needs.

Keeping the student motivated

As instructors, we will always come across students that need that extra boost due to the lack of motivation. I always try to apply multiple approaches in my classes; I think this gives me the opportunity to see what I’m up against. From the initial meeting, I can pretty much determine who I’ll need to work with closely, and whose already highly motivated. My question is, how do I prevent those students that have been categorized intrinsic from falling into the extrinsic category, i.e. life changing events. I can see how one may go from extrinsic to intrinsic, but I want to effectively help those that are already motivated to stay motivated; even when they’re dealing with the hardships of life, and without getting too involved in their situation.