Discover.
My favorite definition of this word can be found here: https://www.thefreedictionary.com/discover . It simply states that discover means “to notice or learn, especially by making an effort.”
Think about that for a minute. As a college instructor, how do you discover things about your students outside of what is revealed through discussions or coursework? How do you make an effort to notice or learn about them, individually?
Well, we are five weeks into the spring semester and I have wrapped up what I call “discovery sessions” with my students. These sessions average about 15 minutes per student but I have them be as short as 7 minutes and as long as an hour; yes, an hour.
The length of the session depends on so many factors like the student’s energy, the student’s questions, concerns, or fears, my questions, and our collective vibe. In fact, just last week, I had a student “speak life” to me during a session that lasted an hour. She told me that she met me on campus a few years ago and I told her that we had an early childhood education program online. She said she thought I was beautiful and so very kind to her. I was shocked and a little embarrassed because I did not recall our meeting at all.
She went on to tell me how she could tell that I was a “woman of God” through the encouraging way I spoke to the students via email and the way that I talked to them in my “Getting Started” and “Syllabus Overview” videos. Hearing that made me happy–not because I needed her to compliment me–but because it feels good to know that at least one student could feel my passion and love for them through my messaging.
I sat on the phone and just listened to her pour into me and share her personal experiences as well. I learned that she is an author, a grandmother, a woman of faith. I learned that she had spearheaded a leadership organization on campus. Our conversation was so enjoyable, edifying, and mutually satisfying.
I let her talk because I had the time and for some reason, I felt led to honor her during this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Now, I am not suggesting that you spend an hour with your students online but I am suggesting that you make an effort to learn about them as individuals in a personal way. That way is through discovery sessions.
In the video of the same title as this post, you will learn the four benefits of holding discovery sessions as well as how to prepare, announce, and conduct the sessions. I hope the gift of persuasion compels you to make them a part of your course “launch” every session or semester hereto forward.