How to relate to students from different cultures and areas. Ways to make them more comfortable and engaging.
Every student is unique and an instructor must understand this. Everyone is enrolled in the class for a different reason but they all share a common goal of education and this common goal should be the focus. Students rely on their instructor to provide clear structure and rules and they also expect the instructor to adhere to their own policies as well. Andragogy is contingent upon the adult students being actively involved in their education. Adult learning is process-centered rather than content-orientated.
We are there to provide the opportunity to acquire the skills, competencies, and work habits needed for a successful career. Treating the classroom/laboratory as a simulated work site where students adhere to the "real world" requirements will help them acquire the discipline needed for positive career growth. In addition, the students will see that not only must they acquire technical skill sets, but they must also have social or "soft" skills to be successful in their chosen field. You are using their intrinsic needs as a learning pathway.
I've learned the many of different types of students you will have in your class you will have many different kinds of personalities that I will have to deal with and always keeping my cool be very understanding learn to take the time to explain the lesson further in detail and maybe with a different approach or with a different explanation of how it can be done.
Know that some students learn differently than others. Understanding their needs is an important step in helping them succeed.
know that all students needs may be different and always be approachable
The best thing I learned is the importance of the First day of the class .Harvard study was an inspirational topic for me. I did it before I started studying this section but now I know how to do it well and achieve a common goal better than I did before this learning. I know that I will be using my knowledge in the future with my students.
I have found that with some of the older students, they don't necessarily want to learn a new skill to go to work but to just stay active with their learning as life long learners.
I think knowing and understanding students will assist in their education as well as the instructors ability to relay what is being taught. If an instructor can address the needs of students effectively, learning will become easier.
My biggest take away would be the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and I am excited to learn how to juggle all of the different motivators along with different backgrounds and lifestyles. My goal will be to get every student to buy into the idea to be both intrinsic and extrinsic, and to realize this trade can be rewarding on so many different levels. I want students to realize the power they hold with this new knowledge and to stake their claim in this world.
Know your audience and put them at ease. Be approachable.
Three parts of developing career goals: Informed decisions, Realistic aspirations and meaningful outcomes.
The aspect I found most compelling in the segment Understanding Student Characteristics (ED102) is the idea that students learn more effectively when lessons relate to their life experiences. My goal is to develop a strong understanding of each student and design lessons that connect to their unique backgrounds and life experiences.
Knowing and understanding your students will not only help you teach them but will also help you to be a better instructor.
One of the biggest takeaways from this module for me was understanding the specific fears and frustrations that adult learners bring to campus. Working in Financial Aid, I often see students when they are highly stressed, vulnerable, or overwhelmed by rules and limitations.
I intend to apply what I’ve learned by looking deeper into the root of their frustrations, keeping things like Maslow's hierarchy and their fear of failure in mind. When a student comes to my office upset, my goal is to practice active listening—validating their feelings and serving as a solid internal support system for them, while still maintaining professional boundaries and guiding them toward practical solutions. It’s a great reminder that we aren't just processing paperwork; we're interacting with people who are trying to navigate a complex system to better their lives. :)
Understanding student preferences and motivation enables the educator to better facilitate the knowledge and maintain motivation for students to complete the tasks. We must understand the adults we are teaching and target their preferences for getting to the point and making it applicable to real life.
Knowing or understanding your students will help you to facilitate them to be better learners and also you will become better instructors.
Helping students feel safe and helping them see that they can succeed is an important aspect to instuctionial duties. Students come from many backgrounds and often has expectation that are preconceived or with pre judgements, or even unrealistic, we should help them manage those while letting them learn and grow not only acedemically but personally as well.
