I also tell my students not to be afraid of coming to me for extra help to get caught up.
I try to point out every available source of support througout our school system, as well as letting students know that I am availabe to them. I let them know I will make myself as available as possible for tutoring, or any questions, etc.
I assign group on the first day of class to help students work with new people. Students need to understand that they need to learn to work with all types of people, even if they don't like them.
Fortunately the facility that I am at has an extensive student support system. There is assistance for virtually any situation a student might find themselves in, housing, medical day care etc.
I instruct the first term students and after their basic needs have been addressed, the biggest challenge is having been away from study for more than a few years. Another instructor had suggested that when the term starts go easy on them recognizing this may be the first structured learning they are having in a long time; as the semester progresses tighten up on ther requirements to improve compliance with rules and study. So far at the end of the first semester their is high confidence and good adhearance to rules. There is more to do but isn't there always?
The student is meeting new friends. The student needs time from the family to study. Going to school requres changes from family members. I would suggest those as reasons why they don't support the student's school life.
Our students take the Disc profile during their first few weeks of starting school. The profiles are shared with them to provide the student some insight on how to be successful. I also encourage student study groups, often establishing them the first two weeks of class.
Judith,
I like the way you identify potential support sources for your students. Many students as you know don't realize they need a support system and if they do they don't know how to create one. You are giving them valuable advice and strategies for creating one for themselves.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Making sure that there is a respectful and professional grounds of communication. Offer office hours and stick to them. Offer hours for tutoring and encourage students to come. Be in the class prior to the beginning of class and after class is done. By doing these things, students are more apt to discuss the coarse with you and reach out for help. Also having a student ambassador on campus really helps as well.
Don,
I agree with you about the coddling issue. Students are there to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in their chosen career areas so they need to be self motivated to put forth needed effort. On the other hand there are times they need some support with assignments and learning efforts so they can be successful in that unit.
Gary
I make it a policty to address the importance of establishing a support system. I tell them a personal story of how I did not have one, so that they feel comfortable listening to my suggestions. After letting them know that there are others who might have a limited 'at home' support system, I make suggestions of who might become a support system for them. I suggest friends on the outside, partners, children, and a study friend at school. I always make it a point to let them know that they are a role model for their children. I encourage them to let their children see their study habits and grades with their children.
Having gone through my bachelors and Masters, I look back and I can honestly say that I did not feel a support system in place from my school. Other than some assistance where financial aid was concerned, I believe we were on out own.
I think over thinking the support systems is a byproduct of a focus on making money. The more students retained, the better the bottom line for the school. Students need to be self-motivated in life. In the real world, coddling doesn't happen.
I do this by setting each student with study parteners. I provide all my contact numbers and office hours and also provide them with tutors who are available at the college along with the hours they are available. If the student presents paticular problems then I give them a list of community services that are available in the area. Paul T. Rougemont
Be early, stay late, and be ready to talk during breaks so that students can discuss special situations with you in a non-rushed atmosphere. Be an emphatic listener and be supportive.
Kathryn,
Good way to establish a connection with your students. You are letting them know that you are there to support their success and this is so important.
Gary
I give students my email and phone number, as well as the hours I'm available to meet/talk with them on the first day of class. I tell them no question is too minor/silly, and that I'm here not only as an instructor, but as a team member for them. I want them to know the college faculty/counselors are here for helping them to succeed. My cell phone is only for business/them, so they feel "special" that I gave them my cell phone, however I do place boundaries on when I will receive calls, so they don't call me inadvertantly. This seems to work fine.
Bronzel,
Knowing they have instructor support is important for student retention. This helps keep them engaged and focused.
Gary
Creating a personal support systems is a great thing to have in place. It helps people to express theirs feels on a personal level.Sometime students have had the same problems and can help each.
It must begin with an accurate assessment of who the student is culturally and academically. Based on those results, the instructor serves as link to lead the student to external resources that fit the student (i.e. another instructor with specific expertise that matches the student's goals, specific books to read that match the student's interests). Internally, the instructor must be available and dependable for the student.
I believe that as a an instructor it is your responibilty to know your student. You should know something about their family and be able to express your feelings on how they can utilize them as a support system.
This is a great idea. I plan to try this tomorrow in my course.
