Dear Educators in Higher Ed,

As we begin this Spring semester let's remember to meet students where they are. I've been reflecting on what we consider the "ideal student," and how much of that is based on where a student comes from.

For instance multitasking, proven to be nearly impossible because it leads to us completing multiple task poorly rather than efficiently yet how many of us have no choice? If you are a parent, if you have to work multiple jobs to afford tuition and books, if you are a caregiver, if you live with a disability, these are all some examples of folks who do not have the privilege of uninterrupted time to complete their assignments. If you are a student who is on probation or parole, who has to have their cell phone on and check it to make sure they didn't miss a call from their PO, while in class, multitasking is a necessity for their freedom. Still we expect student's undivided attention. Let's look at how we can get them the information in multiple mediums so that some of it lands in this hectic atmosphere? Rather than just say it once in lecture, let's send the class notes via email, let's genuinely invite them to office hours, let's post a blog where they can find the information at their own pace. There are multiple strategies that aren't, "give me your undivided attention," which would be ideal but often is unrealistic. If students are taking the expense and coming to college, they want to succeed, no need to shame them for not being what we dreamed of.

Educators want good students to read the news and be up date with current events. As faculty members we need to bring current events to our students and understand that they may not have another opportunity to read up on what is happening around them even if legislation is being passed which directly effects them. It is imperative we incorporate current events into our curriculum and help distinguish what is real and what is fake and teach what a credible source is without judgment or calling them apathetic or naive.

Lastly, we must stop forcing our own perceptions and expectations of the "good student" on our students. We get annoyed when they miss class or don't write professional emails to faculty. Maybe no one has taken the time to teach them or they dont know anyone else in their community who knows how so they don't see the importance of code-switching in that moment. So rather than patronize, perhaps teach or ask yourself, why am I holding so tightly to the "ideal student" when the real student is right here? What can I teach this actual student that will help them with their idea of success? Most of our students aren't going to wind up as college professors, so we can't assume the skills they need are what we needed. Remember, we aren't all coming from the same place.