Recognition of Student Crisis
One of the challenges in working with the adult learner is to be able to pick up on subtle behaviors that indicate that they may be having a personal crisis.
Of course, it helps to know the students well. Instructors who spend a great deal of time in the educational setting with a student naturally know them better.
These situations can range from a cold to a divorce of the worst order.
These students need special attention and encouragement.
Justine,
Good point about reading students so you can be of support to them. You need to have understanding of where they are coming from and what influences they have on their learning success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Patterns are important when reading a student. If they are missing class or missing work it can be due to distractions. You can tell by their mood or behavior if something is off. If a student is making a pattern out of the usual, coming in late, missing class, or lack of energy you may want to pull them aside and check in to make sure everything is going well. You should also keep open communication with your team, that way everyone is on the same page and knows what is going on with all students.
David,
You make a very good point about needing to "read" students. This is so important for the reasons you list. As a result of knowing our students well we can provide support as needed in a targeted manner.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
