Hi Steven,
Good question. These students have a real adjustment to make in their thinking if they are going to be successful in their studies and career. This is why it is so important for instructors to provide them with a professional role model so they see the benefits of dedication and effort.
Gary
SO many students seem to believe that just about anything and everything is entitled to them without cost or effort. It is a real struggle to get them to be self-reliant and responsible for themselves- how did this happen with these kids?
Hi Steven,
Your point about the need for the student to assume responsibility is dead on. We can do everything in the world to support them but at the end of the day it still is up to them. They have to have a level of maturity and commitment where they will put forth the effort to be successful. This message is often forgotten in this age of entitlement. Education is an opportunity that has to be taken advantage of not an entitlement.
Gary
I'm also the Academic Advisor at my school, as well as full-time faculty, and run into this issue quite a bit.
From what I've seen, students who generally come from stable backgrounds (i.e. good relationship with mom and dad or family in general) seem to have little problem identifying or developing a support system external from the school. These students tend to be better communicators with family, faculty and administration to resolve issues ASAP.
Students that come from more challenging backgrounds tend to believe they are pretty much all alone and tend to not communicate with faculty or administration when there is a problem- waiting until things get so bad and overwhelming that there is little anyone can do to solve the issue.
Our department has 400-500 students and I teach the first core class they take in our program- so I get to know them, their background (via assignments or general conversation) and quickly introduce them to whatever student services we have available- student housing, financial aid, tutoring, etc..
I make sure that all students know that we as an institution are committed to their individual success and a student and a person. If there is an issue, they need to talk to myself or another authority figure within the department (department chair, faculty). Knowing a student's needs helps us develop a game plan to create a support system for that individual student.
We may direct them to student housing, schedule meetings with the student and parents, introduce them to individual tutoring, sit down and help them schedule their week to make sure they can get homework done, etc.. But the key is the student knows that there are people willing to help and support them through the process- both on campus or off.
But even with all of that, 50% of the deal falls to the student. If the student continues to make bad decisions with time management or priorities then all the support in the world will not help.
While we will always do whatever we can to help- at the end of the day it is the responsibility of the student to meet us halfway and follow through.
Hi Erin,
Support systems are so critical in helping students achieve success in school. I like the way you talk about support systems and how they can be created at the beginning of the course. This way the students can be looking for how they can set up a support system that will meet their needs. Often they don't think of such things until it is too late.
Gary
During the first class session, I have students think about whom they can rely on. Who is around to proof read your essays? etc. I tell them that this is their at home support system. I then point out all the faculty and staff on campus whom are more than willing to help. I, of course, stress the fact that I am a pillar in the support system--and remind them of my contact information. Lastly, I inform them the they gain the most support from themselves. A positive attitude goes along way. If you believe you will succeed, then you will work hard to achieve your goal. On the other hand, if you tell yourself that things are too hard and that you will never get it, then you will not succeed. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You need to believe in yourself if you expect other to believe in you.
Hi Frances,
Thank you for sharing this great example of how we instructors can impact the lives of students. Your student should be an inspiration to others through what she has been able to accomplish, going from being homeless to finishing nursing school. I am sure your influence and support was the critical link to her staying in school and seeing how she could be successful upon graduation.
Gary
I want to address several topics in this one question. Sometimes WE are the support systems. When I see a student that is upset, I will go to them after class to see what the problem is. Sometimes they have nobody else. I had one student that was kicked out of her place, living in the park, would come to school early to clean up. With caring and interventions, we helped to find her a place to live, a bus token, she finished nursing school and came to see me last year. Wow, now that is a good feeling. So when I see the student not doing well in class, I question with much compassion to see how I and my school can help them suceed!
I agree. Just like in the working world as well as college. It is vital to support and direct students in the right direction. It is ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.
Hi Rosie,
Good point! One of the simplest and most effective inventions in the world is the speed bump. It is non-mechanical, just lays there, yet does it job over and over and over. No telling how much money has been spent fixing damage that has been caused by people going to fast over speed bumps. This is something that students need to learn. The bumps are there so they need to slow down and go slowly over them and not let the bumps "derail" their education in the process.
Gary
In new student orientations we try to let students know of some of the places in our curriculum that previous students have had difficulties-especially the first two terms where students are establishing the foundation for their later more intense courses. I suggest especially time management- since so many students are working as well as taking a full course load.
You can offer to be there for them.
In New Student Orientations, I challenge students to identify and develop support systems for those "bumps" in the road that will occur during their programs. I remind them they should not wait until the "bumps" occur since by then it is too late and overwhelming!
