How do we identify students in distress and how do we help them....
Students come to college and a built-in histories of serious trauma (physical,sexual abuses, sexual assault, witness to oviolence, homelessness, difficult family environments) or they migh experience seriioius trauma or loss during their academic years, some serious mental health disorders (bipolar, schizophrena) do not show signs, until students trust or build a comfort zone or trusts with faculty staff.
I witnessed and experienced all the above, but did I identify their trauma, yes, to some degree, till students will actuallly tell me "i was not able to get my medications because of lack of money, etc., I am developing hives all over me, I need my medications, I cannot stay in class today, etc. etc."
Along with ordinary college and life stressors, student struggle with their own special challenges that coincide with middle and later adulthood (adjusting to new environment, managing academic transition times, dealing with career path issues, multiple roles, maintaining appropriate boundaries with teachers and students, etc .)feel alone, isolated, and even hopelessness when faced with academic and life challenges.
I had an encounter with a distress students just recently. She missed three weeks of classes, (with 6 classes, both clinical and administrative courses), being in the process of eviction, with two children living with parents, parents don't want her around her children, working in a bar to sustain her most basic needs,), student also has a 3.8 GPA, which she would like to maintain)
I spoke with student advisement office to ask them to intervene and assist this student with regards to some financial assistance, and tutorial and or assistance liaising with other instructors.
As an instructor of administrative courses, I chose to offer distance learning initiatives or communicating with this student on line. The challenge is the student do not own a computer.
I told her to use the library and or the learning center. Some of her clinical instructors gave her
essay topics to augment her grades, but she still has to pass the hands on competencies.
My question: how do we help these students in distress.
My answer: Give them all the ACADEMIC alternatives and or possibilities; but it is their CHOICE TO DECIDE AND TO KNOW THEIR PRIORITIES, WITH REGARDS TO THEIR PERSONAL LIVES VIZ A VIZ THEIR ACADEMIC LIVES, AND OTHER PERSONAL SITUATIONS.
Patrick,
I agree fully; they won't be able to learn if they are in too much stress/distress.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Sometimes a student just needs to take some time to get themselves together. An education shouldn't be about getting through a class. They may need time to put things in order so they can enjoy and benefit from their education.
Dr. Malana,
Thanks for sharing your insights, Dr. Malana. I am sure that you will also agree with me that sometimes when we, instructors, have already exhausted all our listening skills within our power, to get a perspective of the "why" is the student behaving this way, then, at some point, we do need to redirect them to professional school resources for professional/educational . counseling and help or for resolutions. Then and only then, I can work with them on the academic level. And I always find this strategy to be mutually rewarding.
Emma
Juanito,
thank you for sharing these helpful ideas. And when we see these signs we have legitimate reasons as instructors to approach the students out of concern, without seeming like we're prying into private lives.
Dr. Ryan Meers
It is extremely important that the instructors identify students in distress early so a corrective action plan can immediately be implemented. There are some warning signs, like failing grades, inattentive in class, habitual absences and tardiness, sleepiness, beeing angry and unhappy and always complaining about something. Some of these may just be a reflection of ones personality but they maybe a hint on some more serious issues.This is why I am very quick to talk to my students on what ever concerns them. This will also show them that you genuinely care about them. This will bring them to be more open to you and voice out whatever is ailing them or giving them problems. Then , you can work on the solution to their concerns.
Thanks,
Dr. JMalana
