Student Success Statement

As a concept, student success can be defined at the instructor, the student, and the course outcomes levels. When put together, we can outline a schematic definition of student success in a more in-depth analysis to formulate the core values of student success.

At the instructor level, I define student success as the competency for students to be intellectually independent thinkers. As educators, we must provide them with the necessary tools to achieve a state of self-sufficiency and self-learning to ensure they take the learning process beyond the classroom. Instead of designing lesson plans that enclose class content inside the classroom, we must take teaching approaches to enable students to unlock their full potential and prepare them for citizenship outside of the university. In other words, a learning environment where students merely absorb and memorize information for a passing grade is detrimental for their success.

At the student level, student success alludes to the acquisition of the essential skills to independently perform any course duties. That is, the student takes an active role in the learning process to solve any problem that might arise by thinking logically about the issue and approaching it methodically. This state of self-sufficiency can only be achieved if we satisfactorily engage them in the classroom. For this, we must facilitate the right tools for the student to recognize that class content is relevant and meaningful to his/her career goals.

At the course outcomes level, student success refers to students successfully meeting the course expected objectives as assessed by the instructor. In a language class, this means the student demonstrates appropriate level reading and auditory comprehension of authentic texts in the target language, appropriate level understanding of the target language’s cultural values, and appropriate level production of interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive communication in the target language. When brought together, student success reflects the coming to be of the student as a multicultural individual who will diversify and serve as a bridge between the target culture and his/her own culture in society.

In conclusion, student success is a dialogue between the instructor, the student, and course outcomes. As a language instructor, molding students into intellectually independent and multicultural individuals is the core objective of my courses because when this state reflects the reciprocal commitment between the instructor and the student. In other words, student success is creating a path for only positive change in society.