Student Focus

How do we become more Student Focused?

One dimension of student focus is getting to know our students...by establishing relationships.

In the business world we determine who our customers are and analyze their needs so we can establish the best client relationships.

What is the best relationship? Opinions vary...


Patricia Cranton in her book Finding Our Way, A Guide For Adult Educators tells us "In a collegial relationship, we step toward being a co-learner. Students and teacher alike share experiences, expertise, knowledge, and skills, and learn from each other. A close relationship between educator and learner leads us to know each other as people, to learn about each other's lives, values, and beliefs. Although it can be risky, it also can be the most satisfying of relationships in teaching."

Patricia gives us nine suggestions to help foster student relationships;

1. Use our first names and tell students we prefer to be addressed that way.
2. Be accessible outside of the classroom and encourage students to come to our office or meet us in the cafeteria.
3. Give students our email address and, if we are comfortable in doing so, our phone number and assure them we enjoy hearing from them.
4. Use examples and illustrations from our own personal lives when appropriate.
5. Refer to where we live, our children, pets, or hobbies in ordinary conversation.
6. Ask students to share their experiences in journals or autobiographies.
7. Regularly use humor and stories.
8. Be receptive to helping studens with problems and issues when it is appropriate and possible.
9. Follow up with students, asking if they need help or are feeling comfortable with the learning situations.

While her suggestions may not be within everyone's comfort zone, establishing relationships, while presenting challenges and risks is important. If students feel comfortable in our learning environment it will encourage them to become engaged.


What do you think?