Student success is the number one motivation most instructors have. It reflects on the teacher’s ability to clearly communicate concepts and show how to apply principles, theories, and ideas. However, the learning experience is a two-way street. The success of a student is also equally dependent upon the student’s effort in putting into the learning process.
We know instructors always strive to do whatever they can to ensure their student success. But we also know instructors are not always there to provide the guidance or answer questions as needed. Hence, we share 5 ways instructors can help their students outside the classroom:
- Set small goals. Having a big goal can be daunting. From the student’s point of view, it can be such an impossible task that they do not even know where to start. This is where instructors can help by starting to set milestones. Start off with small achievable goals. We know taking on a big challenge like starting a career in real estate is intimidating, so it is important for anyone to gain confidence with small wins. More small wins can lead to an increasingly bigger win. Instructors can help be the guiding post for students as they try to navigate their way to becoming a real estate agent. Instructors have been there before. Why not share the lay of the land, what to watch out for, what to focus on, and what not to waste time worrying about. This will help students avoid any pitfalls that could cost them time and money.
- Provide useful tools. Going on a journey to conquer a goal like passing a real estate exam requires resources and tools. Instructors can add more value by providing the most effective ways to help achieve their small wins. For example, real estate instructors can leverage the Ninebricks platform where students can access additional review material that enhances what they already learned in class.. Oftentimes there isn’t enough time to go into every concept in detail and other times students want to review specific concepts again in more detail. Ninebricks allows instructors to customize review materials with their unique video recordings.
- Communicate openly. Being able to build trust and openly communicate with students are highly valued. People appreciate honesty and will more likely be honest back when they feel they can trust the information and guidance instructors are providing. Students want to know where they should focus and what is a waste of time. Open communication is one of the key pillars to a successful instructor-student relationship and is valued by everyone.
- Make yourself available. We are in the days of smartphones so instant access is what students are used to. Students really appreciate the ability to openly communicate with their instructors to ask questions and clarify concepts they may be reviewing. Being available is highly recommended and a big value-add to students. Something simple as having a group chat or Facebook messaging availability not only is helpful for students but is very impactful to their learning experience.
- Provide examples of success. Not everyone has the same definition of success but it does help to have an idea of what this could look like. As an instructor, helping students understand the various ways they can be successful can provide further clarity on defining goals. Once students achieve their goal of passing their real estate licensing exam, what can they do with it. They may want to go into real estate investment, become a broker, or be the best agent in their area. The possibilities are great and having somebody with the insight to provide those possibilities can help influence and shape their real estate future.
Even though instructors cannot be with the students throughout their learning journey, they can employ several best practices to ensure the success of their students. Ninebricks aims to provide teachers the tools to help their students achieve success in their learning journey and career.