Assisting Students on Their Educational Journey

Assisting Students on Their Educational Journey

When students begin your class they are on the process of an educational journey. Not every student is at the same starting point as some are closer towards their final destination or completion of the degree program; however, they share many of the same experiences on their pathway to the development of skill sets and the acquisition of knowledge. In addition, every instructor serves as a navigational system for students as they directly influence the process of learning and guide students along the way. There are various routes available for the process of learning, which means that there are different learning activities and forms of interaction that an instructor can choose from to facilitate a class. It is up to the instructor to see where students are at in their developmental journey and decide which course of action is best for them, based upon their needs and where they are going in this journey.

Throughout the educational journey students will experience progress and they are also likely to experience sticking points.

Some students may experience a detour when they get stuck with a particular course concept or assignment, or they make mistakes along the way. It is up to the instructor to guide them back on track and help find resources that will allow them continue to experience progress. Instructors also provide guidance by monitoring class discussions and giving students the green light or go ahead when discussions are moving forward in a productive manner. Instructors may also need to put up a caution or warning sign when they find that discussions are off track or conflict has occurred.

As students participate in the process of learning they are building new pathways that will help them reach their educational goal.

If they find that their instructor is unresponsive to their needs that may put up a stop sign or roadblock along the way, causing them to become disengaged from the process of learning. If instructors are building productive relationships with their students and helping them to be well-equipped for this journey they are likely to find students are actively engaged and moving at full speed ahead. Students need supplies along the way, which include tools, resources, and skill sets. Instructors can provide a maintenance or progress report through meaningful feedback that addresses their needs and their progress.

Sometimes class participation and the completion of assignments is an uphill experience for students, which will require extra effort on their part. It is important for instructors to keep students looking forward as they will lose momentum or progress if they are continually looking through the rearview mirror and where they have been or what they have done in the past. When students become stranded or sidelined a little bit of encouragement with a caring and compassionate tone is likely to help them get back on track again. An educational journey provides a unique experience for every student. Some students will navigate easily through the process and others may require additional assistance, a skill set tune-up, and motivational guidance. Instructors serve as a navigational beacon by leading the way, paving a pathway for educational success, and providing resources needed for academic maintenance.