I try to discuss various types of support systems and encourage IM and communications with colleagues. I feel that there isn't anyone better to understand what a student is going thru than another student. I try to put people together in chats... as I point out other avenues for support. It's a course in and of itself.
I am in an online environment with non traditional students (majority anyway). By using the discussion board or an interactive assignment, they seem to share, gain more supports and encouragement. This is a wonderful tool to help students express their dreams - giving them the oppty to fine tune them in measurable, time bound goals/steps. They also gain collegues dealing with the same concerns. It does a host of positive reinforcing as observed for many years.
I remind them on a daily basis and give them positive feedback. I also let them know that repetition is great for improving there skills and building confidence.
Hi Bernard,
This information is very important for students to know. Many times students have had this information shared with them but they forget it until they are in need and then they don't know where to turn. By reminding them every so often about what kind of supports are available you are giving them comfort in terms of knowing they can get help from you and others should they need it.
Gary
By letting them know what is available to them at the school, within the classroom and letting them know that you as an instructor will be there for any help or needs they may have.Let each student know that you are there to support them and succeed in there goals.
I have the class talk a little about themselves. They can then identify with students that are similar. Maybe from the same area, hobbies, millitary experience, etc. They can then form groups and discuss things together. This shows how as much we're different, we're the same.
Hi Marlo,
This is a great assignment to get the students to focus on the challenges they will face and then put down possible solutions to those challenges. This way they can anticipate what they are going to face and will have at least thought about possible solutions. This should help to reduce the drop out rate for a number of students.
Gary
As each new class begins, I make the first assignments a 2 paragraph description of how the students plans to overcome the three major hurdles that they may describe, I also ask them to describe to me what they think those challenges might be. So the first paragraph usually covers, what they feel their three obstacles might be (balancing school, work and family, getting out of work in time to make our bi-monthly chats, organizing a schedule with their spouse so that they can find time to complete their midterms, finals and major research papers etc.) and the second paragraph covers how they plan to overcome these obstacles I have found that this puts them in a position where they have to think about these situations and find solutions, so when the time comes they are prepared for them.
There are two types of support systems in the college. The first one is external, the second internal. in order to help a student, one meeds to identify what type of support the student needs.
Hi Caren,
Good point about helping students to identify their own support systems. The beginning of understanding is the willingness to listen. By talking with the students and listening to their stories you can develop an understanding of what their needs might be. From there you can help them develop a system that will give them the needed support throughout their schooling.
Gary
Helping students find support systems is vital to their success. I can help them to find support systems by guiding them to see the people around them in their lives who can offer emotional support and how they can aid and enhance their experience. From directing them to people who can help with jobs, childcare, or parking to professional mentors in the field it is important to identify their support needs. Just talking to and engaging students helps me to reveal their needs and try to help the students meet them.
Hi Martha,
This is a very important service you are providing your students. By knowing about the supports systems that are available through the school a student in need and see assistance before they get too far down to where they have to leave school. It also saves time in them finding out about the supports that are available since they will have been covered in your class discussions.
Gary
I have stressed the importance of having a good support system in discussions to students. I have provided them with information on the different support systems available at a school and I try to provide a level of support through the use of phone calls, emails and encourageing feedback provided with assignments.
Hi Alicia,
Thank you for sharing this great example of creating a personal support system that pays big dividends. By being effective listeners and recorders of what they are seeing and hearing then students are going to be able to retain more content and make greater application of concepts being shared.
Gary
I'll use this as an example...Throughout the course, excellent note taking is a must. We should try and help students identify their potential struggles by encouraging them to not only write notes about things they comprehend, but to write notes about things they do not. A simple jot down. While a professor is lecturing, the student should jot down a topic they wish to re-touch. Perhaps, after lecture or at a later time, the student can get a better grasp of the topic from fellow students, additional research or the professor themselves. Thus, creating an example of a portion of their personal support system.
One of the easiest and fastest ways to create a personal support system is to simply give constant feedback on performance & a few encouraging words. Even a simple greeting can sometimes do the trick. Always start with what is good, what is not so good, & how they can rectify their mistakes in the easiest way.
Where I teach, we see new students every 3 weeks. We have to quickly recognize each learning style (as best as we can) and try to teach to the group as best as we can. Trying to develop personal support systems can be hard to due given the short time we are actually with the class. We operate on a 5.75 hour class day, broken up into 3 segments and we need this time to get as much material into their heads as possible. We DO try to help the students in any way possible and this does include knowing their names, their background, the area they live or origin and this can give us an idea of what they need to feel somewhat comfortable in a new and sometimes differant enviornment than they might not be prepared for. Going to a large school can be quite a culture shock for many and we try to make the transition a bit less difficult for them.
From the course reading their appears to be both internal and external support systems. The external support system is the system the students have outside of school with parents, family, friends and other support services. I am not certain that there is much I can do beyond listening to the student about influencing these services.
However, internal support services are those available to the student through school. Again the key is to listen to the student and ensure that they are aware of the services available to them. These services could be in terms of student housing, financial aid, tutoring services or others related to the school. Although as an instructor I might not be able to solve all of the problems for my students I can serve by listening and advising how to resolve an internal support problem.
I agree that before a student even starts their training they need to assess areas where they need help. But, what i find, is the students tend to be a little evasive about their needs. It is hard to get them to realize them, let alone talk about them until they become so opressive that they begin to act out in class. Does anyone have ideas or techniques they use to make a student feel comfortable enough to discuss them?
Making sure that student know each other in my class by having them work in small groups
