Understanding "student characteristics", sheds light on many important qualities for teachers. I learnt:
1. Looking at classroom from students perspective and his needs.
2. Listening to students' frustration and needs; is very powerful.
3. Many things which institution or instructor can't help in e.g. external needs (childcare, domestic); become less burdensome, if instructor uses encouragement, and validation of students' learning process.
4. Solving extrinsic needs is important, as they are the first needs in Maslow's hierarchy.
This course highlighted the importance of looking at each students individual background, expectations and goals. I like the idea of looking at each students individual background and knowledge in order to see what special characteristics they can bring to the course.
It's essential to develop institutional strategies that will encompass the learning needs of students from different backgrounds.
Part of the role of the teacher of nontraditional students is to acclimate them to workforce expectations.
I think it is important o see things through the student's perspective.
It is important to know where you students are coming from.
Associate learning and outcomes as related to industry and practical application
to encourage students to grow
I agree Holly. I am acutely aware that not all of my students are interested in the specialty area taught in my course, but they are required to complete the course as part of their program. I have tried to find ways to make it more relevant to their interests, but I think it might be helpful to learn a little more about these students to help make it more relevant to them.
This is also what I have learned from this course. I have an innate desire to know a little about my students and have tried to use this. I think after this course I will be able to expand upon that to know all of the students instead of just the ones that are more vocal and readily engage.
I learned how to connect with students.
I learned how students are different
I feel like this module is very informative. I have learned about outlying factors that affect my student’s success that I never considered before. I knew I could assist them but did not know tangible limitations. I pride myself in cultivating a supportive environment but sometimes felt like I was overstepping. The direction and different point of view is appreciated.
I think the best way is to get everyone talking first. This helps with the feeling of security due to the fact everyone is in the class to learn. Then deal with the feeling of belonging, cultural differences and so forth. This course has given me a new perspective on a better way to approach to melding the class into a complete learning environment.
I think by showing your enthusiasm and passion you have for the field they want to succeed and work in , this will be a motivation to reach the end goal for them.
Understanding that students have differences in their life experiences, which will impact their learning.
Knowing about your students and what unique traits and skills they bring to the classroom. Encouraging students to make real-world/real-life connections to the content.
It is important to know the student's intrinsic motivations as well as the extrinsic motivations to be able to help them achieve their goals of attaining an education. It is very important for the instructor to be able to find opportunities to encourage students at all times in order to keep them on point with their education.
I have learned that looking at the classroom environment from the student's perspective is important to foster a safe learning expereince for the student
This course opened my eyes to looking at student though a different lens. Looking for signs like, lack of participation, signs of frustration, noticing stress due to cultural or social differences. Also how I engage them involved in the learning process, by way of asking non intimidating question or explaining that answering incorrectly does not mean your are inept, rather it means you haven't acquire the necessary skill which is why your are here.
