Recent and various studies have been conducted to analyze the factors affecting the learning outcomes of college students and their performance after graduation. While good academic standing, high level of aspiration, favorable attitude towards learning and good study habits were identified to be major determinants of their good performances (be it board examination or employment), still the undergraduate learning coming from effective teaching strategies of their professors should not be disregarded. The students should unquestionably have a strong foundation in their chosen fields of specialization, as well as their programs’ both basic and complex concepts and theories in order to keep track on the knowledge required by their profession.
Together with the students’ diligence in understanding the lessons, advance reading and adequate practice in problem solving, is their professors’ role not only in establishing comprehensive quality instruction, but also in providing inspiration and encouragement.
Various reasons are given by the students as to why they choose to pursue a specific program. These include the students’ personal interests, past achievements, job prospects, family and peer influence, media, etc. However, most universities fail to recognize their views and preferences when it comes to asking what drives them or why they would want to continue or still finish the same program given the difficulty of passing, and ultimately succeed in the corporate world.
While professional subjects are expected to be difficult, the motivation of students becomes their source of strength not only to pass the subjects but also to learn the topics in detail. The influence they absorb from their professors’ attitudes also reflects their determination to continue working hard and reach for their goals no matter how hard and challenging or even how long it will take them.
Moreover, the type of training that the professors provide their students impacts their future performance in the work place. The mix of discipline, credibility and professionalism being portrayed by the educators are inherited by the students in one way or another. That’s why it is always expressed that what the students become is a reflection of their teacher.
Related to this, various universities and educational institutions have established a strict hiring policy for their professors, including a meaningful work experience, applicable certifications, licensure and professional qualifications, as well as post-graduate studies, among others.
In addition to pre-employment requirements, peer, student, and dean’s evaluation procedures for hired teaching personnel are also conducted on a regular basis to make sure that the professors meet the needs of their students and give points for improvement on their teaching quality. These allow the faculty members to assess their skills and the effects of their instruction strategies to their students’ performance.
Given these requirements for entering and continuing professors, it can be noted that on the aspect of professional knowledge and skill level, the professional in academe is very much proficient. However, in the field of education, being knowledgeable is not enough. Educators must as well acquire the teaching skills and right attitude in order to become an effective motivator and bring their students to success.
Therefore, the teachers are expected to study and uncover the needs of their students in order to design ways and procedures that will be of help for them to achieve their goals. As being in the teaching profession is not only for one self, the professors should keep in mind that the coming generations need their support to mold their futures in the best way possible and give them opportunities to reach and even surpass the formers’ achievements.
By: NANCY S. ESTRELLA|TEACHER I|BATAAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL|BALANGA, BATAAN
