Hi Shannon,
Not only is this good for the class it is great training for when the students are working with others in the work world. The more skill they have at working with others the greater their career success is going to be.
Gary
I usually encourage support systems through group projects that require group interaction throughout the module. Students choose a leader and totally manage the groups themselves which involves the delegation of project duties, turning in assignments, and final presentation. This encourages group interdependance and team effort towards a common, short-term goal. This has been a very effective team building tool in my classes that creates an immediate support system for the student to be successful in class.
Hi Heather,
You have been there and done that successfully. You are a good role model for your students and that should help them understand that you will provide them with support if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
When I returned to school I was a mother of two with a full time like many of my students. Having all of the extra along with school can get overwhelming. One thing I do is let my students know that I was where they are. I let them know I am there for personal tutoring. I also let them know about other tutoring outlets. I encourage study groups in class and out. Fellow class mates can be a great means of support. I also show them diffent ways to study when you have demanding lifestyle.
I try to create support groups within the classroom by assigning a mandatory group project due at the end of each module. I also assign these groups to have all 4 aspects of an efficient team which includes having a creator,advancer, refiner, and executor. Assignments are due every week and group time is set aside at least twice a week to work on these projects. This creates a sense of interdependence and accountability among group members. It also helps them to organize and accomplish a short term goal in a TEAM setting. Team skills are a must in the healthcare field and most students have never participated in these types of situations. They are usually very close in the end and experience great pride when pulling off a great project with their team.
Hi Larry,
Good point about the need for a support system. Students need to know how to identify and create such systems if they are going to be successful in working and completing their schooling.
Gary
Need to help students understand the importance of family and friends support as well as the getting them involved in the, I feel ultimate support of their fellow students, which is easier than the family and friends support. Maybe getting them to understand a small part of their training from time to time to amke them aware of how difficult sometimes it really is to work and attend school.
Thanks sir. Larry
I like to give out surveys that ask if they are in a relationship, living near family, if they have made friends in their class. This helps to determine who is for them or against them in their personal life then allows me to know if they have someone that they can talk to or that will help them study outside of the school. If they are close to one or more students then that allows me to help them identify who they can lean on for support.
Hi Rhonda,
Good strategy. This way all of your students are involved in the course and know they have a supportive instructor helping them to be successful if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
I usually try to get to know my students and try to find out information about their background and culture. I utilize this information during various times during the course to share information that relates to course study/ lectures. This seems to bring out some of my least vocal students when they feel as though they can relate to the subject material.
It is important for students, expecially older students or those returning to school, to feel comfortable with thier course settings. I teach the pharmacy tech courses so I tend to see each of the students within the program from start to finish. Students who are completing a series of courses together will get to know each other very well. I see it as part of my job as an instructor to have the students within thier first course to gather names and numbers and begin study groups with each other. These groups tend to last through out thier time within the program.
Hi Penny,
Good plan to help students get into study groups. These study groups can make a big difference in the lives of students. They become a form of support for them with a common theme, that being the course and the career field.
Gary
Become friends with co-students that they could study with.
Hi Rebecca,
I like this approach because you have them thinking about their support system right from the beginning. The system needs to be in place before a problem arises because by that time it may be too late to create a support system. I'm not surprised at all that it has increased student retention because it is such a common sense approach.
Gary
I believe a strong support system is key to adult learners being successful. At new program orientation, I always go around the room and ask each student to identify one person who will unconditionally support him or her through the tough learning process. I give instructions if a student doesn't have anyone specifically, it is okay to say 'pass'. Once everyone has answered, I state "to those of you who said 'pass', I am now your support system". Most importantly, I make sure I keep those students on my watch list and make a point of touching base weekly or biweekly. This process has increased student retention and most importantly, has helped adult learners build their confidence.
Hi Ranee,
A good support system is critical for adult students. The more we can help them identify their system the better prepared they will be to survive when hard times come their way.
Gary
One thing students can do is if they have the support of their family appreciate it, if not get with people that have the same goal as yours and support each other, also look to your instructors for support if they are good professional instructor as they should be they we be a big part of your support system.
Hi Linda,
I just want to say I really like your idea of having students do a presentation on how the course benefits them. I bet you learn a lot from their perspective on that!!
Very cool idea....I'm definitely going to have to adopt and adapt that one for my own use.
Beth Nichols
Creating a personal support system is important for all students. In my class, each student is required to give a presentation on how this course will benefit their career. Also, students are required to do a group project. Working in a group help students to learn from each other, take on leadership roles, and responsible within the group. It certainly does create a good working environment
Hi BJ,
I like this strategy. It really gives you insight into the students and where they are coming from. I am sure they really appreciate your using this method.
Gary
