It still surprises me how defeated my students feel when life rears its ugly head. I think my first point of aiding them is to remind them that they have several support structures either through personal sources or school-based avenues which they can seek help. Secondly I think being a reflection of steady confidence in them helps lighten the dark images they many times project into their own worlds. If I show them that its not the end of the world, they might remember it as well.
Hi Warren,
This is why it is so important to give them study guides and sample questions. This way they can reduce their fears about success because they know the format of the questions. This isn't to say they won't be nervous but they will feel that at least they can understand what they are going to be tested over and how to study for the tests.
Gary
We begin in orientation by asking families to understand the goals and challenges of the student. We suggest getting a buddy and exchanging emails/phones. We have class activities that bring teams or groups together. I usually have a 100% return of my calls by saying "I saw you were out and was concerned about you. Are you ok?" Pat J
Julie, since we know the importance of support systems, I really appreciate that you have them do something as concrete as writing it down so that they can see whom they do have to help.
Hi Olivia,
You have a well developed orientation plan that gives students options should problems come up and they will. So by having ideas about what they can do when they face challenges they can keep their career goals going forward.
Gary
a good ice breaker maybe to pair the sudents in twos and have them interview each other. Share with the class the ans to the interview and then reverse the roles.
It also think that non-traditional students need help in taking exams, and the different type of exams that are given. How to ans multiple choice, short ans, true and false,essay.
These are important bumps that students freak out over.
During orientation we advise students that although we want everything to go smoothly and perfectly - that is not reality. We advise them to ask from help from their friends (test me and help me review rather than going out drinking/clubing/hanging out); family (take the kids while you study,share your successes with them0; we teach them what is emergency vs urgency; we encourage working together in study groups.
I work with students who are starting classes for the first time (traditional students) and also returning students (nontraditional learners) and during class, we complete a worksheet to help them identify five 'skill-specific' references. This helps them think about those who may be supportive in helping them achieve their goals both personally and professionally. Throughout the class I teach there is a large focus on the fact that success is not only an individual effort but also a collective one as well; we don't get to where we would like to be without the help and support of others.
In addition to professional support systems, it's important to help students identify those at home and at school that can help as well. For many students, their family, friends, instructors, and staff members will be essential in encouraging them to keep going when tough situations arise. I always encourage students to reach out if they need help or have any questions; once I know what their struggles are I can work with them to come up with a plan to get back on track.
Thanks!
I have international students living throughout Europe. They have both classified and unclassified email access for professional questions & issues. Plus, we follow up with future on-site visits to their organisations.
At the beginning of every term, in addition to discussing my hours and workshops, I suggest that students get to know one or two of their peers so in the event they miss a lecture, they can catch up on the notes/projects. This also ends up giving them someone they can talk to in the event they need support.
I try to encourage students to use our peer tutoring program for studying. It seems to me that a little more formal invironment helps them learn better than if they just occationally go over to a friends house. There are too many distractions that happen and that takes more time to complete that most students cant afford to loose.
Hi Peter,
This is a great way to make the course requirements real for the students. They get to hear from one of their own who has gone through the course and is able to tell it like it is. This validates what you are trying to do with them.
Gary
Peer learning is a great asset for me in class.I have previous students who have had challenge return to class and share all experiances, positive and negetive to show that with perserverance and comittment all things are possible and taht you can success.
Hi Gary,
You make an excellent point. The easiest thing to do is fail because it does not take any effort or investment. Plus, then someone else makes all of the choices for you.
I work hard as I know you do to try and get the students to develop a network of successful people as they are moving through school so they can call on that network when needed. They need to understand what it means to have character and integrity. To develop these two characteristics they may have to make some tough choices about who they are going to associate with but in the end their lives will be better for having made those choices.
Gary
In my online classes, I create a discussion board forum for them to introduce themselves, and I try to place them in teams for the group project that represent their major/time zone/or some other element to get them more involved with classmates.
Hello, Dr. Meers,
This is provocative. A potential source of support are the members of the students' class or cohort. I encourage club participation because members will be a bit more engaged than non-involved students. It also helps to develop support among experienced industry professionals. It is not uncommon for students or entry-level people to "stage" at a business ( work free or very cheap) just to learn the ropes. It sounds tough but often the student makes acquaintances at her own level or above and also meets industry pros in hiring positions. He/ she may also make the acquaintance of others equally motivated. Our industry includes people ranging from very motivated and focused to folks who are just riding out some period between jobs. Drug and alcohol abuse are not uncommon. I remind students that it is as easy to gravitate toward people who take good care of themselves and their careers as it is to hang with those who pay little attention. So the students need not just any peer support group but one that is chosen with care.
Hi Michele,
Thanks for sharing this ice breaker activity for starting a class. I am sure your students really enjoy doing it and getting to know other students. I know other instructors will appreciate you sharing it.
Gary
At the beginning of the term, I use a 'bingo' activity. Students must find and meet other students in the class who are in their same major. Then I let them know they now know someone in the class and in their program who can be a study buddy.
Hi Brenda,
You are right about it being a course in and of itself. The networking and social development that occurs in a course is valuable to the students when they are out in the work world.
Gary
