One strategy that I use to try to create and foster personal support systems in the online learning environment is to use student biography forums as a starting point to connect students with one another within the class. This informal discussion opportunity allows students to make personal connections with classmates of varying ages and experiences while helping to give them an opportunity to share information they are comfortable with. This helps me to build learner profiles to use throughout the course as I interact with students as well.
One of the main things to try to determine when trying to help students identify and create personal support systems is to try and determine what is their extrinsic and intrinsic motivation factors. Depending on their motivation factors you can then discuss what concerns they have and who/what they around them and help them to make the connection between life and school.
Hi LeeAnne,
Knowing that you are there to help them be successful is so important. This way they know that they can come to you with questions about their work and course progress and you will provide them with counsel about how they are doing.
Gary
During the first night of any new class, I make it a point to let my students know that my time is their time and I am available for them. Whether it is preparing extra study material or listening to their problems, I feel that I lead them in the right direction to creating their own personal support system. Sometimes, I feel like I am their support system when they are having a difficult time with other classes or with administration. There is a fine line between being a "support" system for the students and being their instructor. My students know that I am there for them every step of the way; this also helps with their retention and their attendance.
Hi Beth,
One of the methods I use to help them to see the big picture and how they need to work toward their long term goals is to have successful graduates come in and talk to them. They love guest speakers and when my graduates talk about sitting where they are and how the course sequence fits together to create a course of study the students really get fired up. I invite those graduates that are dynamic and motivated so they get my students ramped up as well. It is a great experience for all.
Gary
Thank you, I also try to use essay open book tests when I can. I make the questions difficult but the information is available to them. I get them to actually read the book and write information that is important. This way I know they are getting something out of the class.
Hello Dr. Meers,
As the authority figure in the classroom, I strive to encourage and motivate students to believe in themselves. I share set standards for work performance as well as provide personal examples of each assignment. This gives them a chance to live up to the expectations of the assignment and be successful. If they achieve the goals, they receive a high score and praise. If they fall short, I send corrective feedback and encouragement.
I think perhaps sometimes I see the bigger picture more clearly than they do and I may fall short in how to communicate the larger goals to the students. For example, they may want to ace every assignment, but I know they can still earn an A even if a few assignments aren't up to standard. Do you have some tips on helping students see the long-term goals?
Beth
Hi Jonathan,
It is amazing how a little success can be a big motivator. Your method is helping the struggling students to see that success can be theirs if they will put forth the effort. Well done!
Gary
I like to, occasionally, give a really easy quiz and then praise struggling students for doing well. This sometimes is just what they need to really get going.
I do something similar except I have students pair off with someone they do not know. They spend a few minutes getting to know that person then they introduce that person to the rest of the class. It really seems to break the ice.
I think this is one of the most important things for an online class since we don't see our students face-to-face. I provide my phone number and encourage them to call me if they have questions. I also set my email forwarding from the online class to my regular email so if a student sends a message that needs immediate response, I can either reply to the email or call them right away to assist. This helps minimize their frustrations, especially when they are having technical challenges with the software.
Hi Andrew,
I agree with you about the benefits of student groups. I use them all the time in my classes with great results. The connections and networking that results from the groups is and will be valuable for the duration of the students' careers.
Gary
I have also used the tactic of forming small groups in my classroom to work on a simple project. I always try to do this within the first week of class. I have found that this allows bonding time between the students after they have completed the assigned task. Normally each group completes the task and then continue there conversations by getting to know each other. Even when I know each group has finished the task, I’ll intentionally let the class continue their group conversations. This activity seems to lead to students informally forming their own study groups and support systems.
I like to have students tell where there from, their major and something about themselves on the very first day, I think that sometimes helps them make a connection to others either that have something in common or are in the same town as they are to help facilitate that "get to know each" also this lets them know they are not alone. Next I do some kind of activity, sometime a bingo sheet to that they have to find someone in the course that fits the box and that also gets them talking and networking. We talk about ride sharing and study groups on the first day. I also share that I too am a graduate of the school I teach for and that I have sat in the very same seat once and I understand it can be scary and challenging. Then I let them know that I am there to help them, and that they can ask me anything, if I don't know the answer then I will find someone who does. It doesn't have to be my class even, they can ask me questions about anything and I will try to help.
With a little creativity, courage and willingness to go beyond the confines of the curriculum, we can engage our students in meaningful ways: Relevant, Real and Resourceful.
Hi Krista,
This is so important. The students need to know that their instructor is there to help them be successful if they will put forth the effort. Success is catching so they need to be around those individuals that are striving to be successful instead as you mentioned hanging around those that would take them down.
Gary
Hi Connie,
Your personal experiences of working through a support system for your daughter has put you in a great position to provide support for your students. You have been there and done it. Your number one, listening is critical for student engagement. So keep up the effort and let them know you are there to help them find the resources needed for their success.
Gary
All students need basic support in their scholastic career. We HOPE, as instructors, that they have an established external support system in their personal lives to help with many issues We also need to be prepared to offer an internal support system for them, to help ease the pressures of the educational experience. Spending time getting to know the students and developing rapport with them is a good way to find out more about them to see what their support system is already like, and to help identify what additional support systems they may be in need of.
Have the students look at who is on their side. Also, giving them numbers of community resources can help as well. You as an insturctor can become part of their support system. This is vital if they have no one else. Help the students learn to step away from friends who would mock their trying to progress. Talking to them about surrounding themselves with people or classmates that have the same goals.
I try to help the student identify where their support system is and how they can utilize that support system. I also provide inspirationl quotes weekly to motivate the students.
