Communication is essential. Faculty need to get to know their students and how to be help them individually. If complications arise then this knowledge will help.
I learned that traditional and nontraditional students have view learning differently and may require different levels of motivations. The classroom setting should remain a neutral setting that encourages learning for all.
A person needs to grow in order to learn
Be there for the student when needed, stay professional and provided resources when needed to help student stay focused on goals.
I now have a better understanding of the importance of class organization,
and the ways it affects learners of different ages.
The importance of incorporating the student's experiences in to the lecture so they can build on their own knowledge from their own life experiences.
Look at the classroom and see how the students are seeing it
Making the student feel safe and comfortable in the class setting to participate and thrive is very important and I can do better at this.
This was extremely helpful in identifying items or situations I have experienced in the classroom, but items I have not formally identified as a "textbook" terms. For example, I have seen students exhibit behavior that show fear in social failure. I have seen first hand students prioritize this fear over their academics. It is affirming to have this formalized in this course with have tools to address and design course content in ways that can ease this student fear.
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.
