As an instructor you want your students to do well. One way to consider student development is to think of them in training to become champions. Whether it is their very first class in the degree program or the very last, they are striving to learn, to grow, and make it to the finish line. Why should you think of students as champions? Because champions are remembered for what they have accomplished, they work hard, they put in consistent effort, they train on a continuous basis, they practice, and they do their very best. A champion views success as a conscious choice and that is something every instructor can help to instill within their students.

As your students' academic coach, becoming a champion is not just about winning or losing. The focus is helping students complete their assignments and all learning activities at their personal best. What does personal best involve? For many students, personal best means beating the odds. Many students come to the classroom with limited prior academic experience or underdeveloped skill sets. Some students may also have a limited support system, which places even greater emphasis on the instructor's role. Personal best also means going the extra mile. Whether taking classes online or at night with a traditional school, many students are working professionals and balancing their time between numerous responsibilities. Personal best also means making it to the finish line, where students have developed a sense of determination, they don't give up, and they successfully complete the class.

As part of the process of becoming a champion, students are likely to experience setbacks and even failures along the way. Failures are a natural part of the process of becoming a champion. Kurt Warner recently stated that "you can't succeed if you don't fail." Michael Jordan stated that "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." Often your students' mental attitude towards failing or setbacks determines whether they will continue to reach for their personal best or be discouraged and give up. Your students' mindset needs to be cultivated to that of a champion or one who perseveres, even when it seems that the work is difficult to complete. Instructors can offer guidance, mentoring, and point students toward specific resources that will address their needs.

When you begin helping your students to become champions it is also helpful to consider that their success in your class, and in their degree program overall, will translate into their other roles. For example, many students are working as business owners, leaders, managers, supervisors, and team members. To be a champion is to excel, ready to face real-world challenges and contribute to the workplace, with unwavering faith in their talents and abilities. Part of the process training and practice means that they understand the importance of working towards a goal or something meaningful that they want to accomplish. Training students means that you are helping them to develop self-motivation and determination, and in the process they are increasing their capacity and ability to learn. Instructors have an ability to see the potential in their students to succeed, help them chart a clear path towards their goals, be an advocate for their growth and progress to the finish line, and watch them become champions.

Dr. Bruce Johnson is the owner of Affordable Quality Writing. He writes a monthly newsletter that provides motivational strategies, resources, tips, and information related to career searching, along with information and resources for educators. Dr. J's free newsletter is available at http://www.affordablequalitywriting.com.