How much do you want to know about your students in order to be most helpful to them?

Answer 1

I teach in a small rural school. I know a lot about my students because I usually know their parents. I am the type of teacher who gets very close (emotionally) to my students. They will hang around in my room before and after school to discuss things with me that they cannot tell their parents.

I have been trained as a mentor for the students, and as such I am only required to report conditions that are dangerous for the student. I am not required to report any of the counseling for broken hearts or hurt feelings. I tell the students up front what I am required to report to the administration and let the students decide if they want to continue to talk. They always do.

I like to make my room the "safe room" of the school for students who have no where else to go. Since I am aware of the family and personal circumstances of most of the students, I am able to deal with issues that surface in the classroom easier. I never judge the student before finding out what caused the behavior.

Answer 2

I'm going to answer this question with a trite phrase that I heard a long time ago, yet the truth is still there "People do not care what you know, until they know how much you care" There is so much truth there, that I cannot begin to tell you. When I started teaching, I did not make a great concerted effort to pry into the lives of the students and learn all about their likes and dislikes and home situations, and health problems, etc. What I did, is I just tried to be friendly with them (not too friendly though lol), and to really make it apparent to them that I cared about them. It didn't take long (probably about a month) until one or two students, here and there, would stop in my classroom after school to talk to me about something, or would come over to me at lunch to talk something out, or stay a minute after class to ask me for advice. And before I knew it, I knew many of the students very well.

So, in conclusion to all that. In order to be most helpful to the students, just care about them. Care about the little things. Notice haircuts, new shoes, new bookbags. Offer a smile if they are without one. Be understanding when you can be, and you will find that THAT is the most helpful thing that you can do.

Answer 3

As much as I can. I usually have my students answer a short survey at the beginning of the year describing their likes and dislikes. Usually I learn a lot about them with such a basic tool. Also, when parents come to open house, I ask them to share any information that will best help their children's learning experience. Both techniques work quite well.

Answer 4

I admire those who commit more energies to discovering the personal and emotional states of their students. However, I tend to keep my familiarity limited to school and extracurricular accomplishments and the occasional "joys and concerns." If there are crises, I want to know. I like hearing good news from home too.

I do like to look at past scores, although I am convinced they're only about 50% accurate. I just like to see what they've done before and compare it to my own observations.

Answer 5

I teach a smiple sunday school class for 3 yr olds.
Even theyre not in school, but getting to know them is
Important. They have needs and disabilites and those need to be aware of. No different if your a grade school or College.
See ya

Answer 6

I'm a student and I like when the teacher asks me about my life/likes/dislikes, etc. It makes me feel like they care.

Answer 7

for a start, we can try to have a short interview with them regarding their likes and dislike, their studies and their education background. they can be given the opportunity to jot down their thoughts and to discuss, technically in the best interest of their subjects. academic wise.