Student Concerns
I'm always willing to listen to my students. After all, I usually have many fears brought in by my students, followed by tears in my office on any given week. I've learned that if I set-up the expectations of an "appointment", that many of the concerns are handled in a professional manner and the student usually has time to reflect on the situation.
They are also aware that I'm not certified to give advice, but have two ears and lots of resources and may be able to lead them to the correct person.
I like this concept as well. I do get a lot of students that want to share their life stories and I am always willing to listen as well, however, I am going to work on finding a transition comment/statement to get them to make an "appointment" so they can focus on handeling themselves in a professional manner.
Great points made here. I agree and can relate to allowing time for an appointment one on one with the student. They benefit greatly by knowing you care enough to take the time to meet with them and assist them or at least point them in the right direction. Mary Beck
Hi Ryan,
You all do carry a heavy load in terms of the emotional toll that is taken on you as you deal with students and clients. The key is trying to find the balance between all the information you get and still get the massage administered. I hope you can impart to your students the need to find this balance early in their careers so they don't get overwhelmed and leave the field.
Gary
Hi Celina,
This is very good advice for instructors. You have a system that shows the students you care about their success and that you are there to support them. I would to emphasize the "appointment" part of your comment for other participants in this course. I have found just like you that by having them set up an appointment with me I am viewing their concern as being important. Secondly, by setting an appointment they have time to organize their thoughts in relation to the situation or problem they want to discuss. This reduces the random complaining or venting that can occur.
Gary
We get it from all directions! We have clients spill their guts and expect to get some answers from us and the client will come in with physical problems and expect us to diagnose or fix them.
Ryan (massage therapist)
By listening to students, it also gives another avenue to learning. Many times thier frustrations are related to the topic of the day, so we can incorporate these (with students permission) into classroom discussions. I always tell my students if they are confused by something or unclear, ASK A QUESTION, because if they are confused, likely someone else is as well.
I agree with the open listening rule as a whole. I also have students that are concerned with many of the classes that I teach and come in crying. I am always willing to listen, and I feel that makes a caring instructor.
