Student Frustrations
As an instructor I feel it is important to maintain professionalism and understanding when dealing with students who have transportation issues, children at home to take care of, issues at work that they bring to the classroom. I meet with my students regularly and LISTEN to what they have to say and offer ways to deal with these situations.
Marilou,
Key point because many students have made their minds up already about what the answer is, accurate or not. When another answer is given they get up set. They need to research the answers so they know they are accurate and accepted by the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Most often students frustrations are when they ask questions and given the answer but not what they want to hear or expect.
Carla,
There are three rules under which instructors should operate. One, be the professional. Two, be consistent. Three show grace or in other words be willing to extent support when needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think consistency in methods and information given by all concerned, plays a big part of why students get frustrated. Having consistency helps the student to be organized in their thinking and in their planning.
Molly,
Yes, it is and it is one we all need to be aware of and focus on maintaining. Knowing they have an instructor that will listen to them and cares about their success goes a long way in helping them to become engaged in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I will agree that students sometimes just need an ear to listen. Often times I feel like I am one of the only people they can talk to without being invloved. This can be a double edge sword, I want them to be able to come to me with issues they need to talk about but I do not want it to compromise my authority in the classroom. And I do no want them to use my knowledge of their life issues to expect special treatment. It's a fine line for sure.
Marc,
I agree, it is important to listen and help students navigate challenges, however, I am wary not to allow them to fall into making excuses. I stress treating the classroom like the job site. It is important that they call ahead if they will be late, or miss class. I let them know that I expect them to still fulfill their responsibilities and not to be destracted by the obstacles, but to remain focused on the goals they have set.
Patricia,
This is so important to keep students in school. If the pressures of life outside of school can be helped through support then they will stay in school and create a future for themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Student frustration is a retention factor, I try to not only offer any ear to listen but if possible direct the student towards a solution without affecting the instruction in the classroom.
Margaret,
I reinforce your point about "listening". A powerful connector to students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Denise,
This is such an important part of what we do as educators. By providing support and listening to our students we establish a connection that is hopefully strong enough to keep them in school when their outside lives start to derail.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes, but it is also important to be able to offer resource tools to help the student with what ever situation is keeping them from being focused on their education.
It is important to maintain professionalism when a students come to you venting their personal frustrations. The key word is "Listening."
This is so true. Often times students may drop from a career program secondary to feeling a lack of support from their college and or instructor. It is amazing how having some one who can listen to your frustrations without being there to judge can be the support they need to continue on. I have several students with these external factors and often times listening to the situation they are frustrated about and even directing them to assistance if it is available on campus (i.e. we have often helped students with gas vouchers to make it to class in amounts of minimal demoniation through our student services programs)have been the difference in student leaving the program or making it through to the end of their program of study.
Marc,
These outside factors often determine whether a student will remain in school or drop out. So by listening you are showing them you care and want to help them be successful. In return they need to put forth the effort to be successful. When both factors are there then it is a win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
