Difficult to employ student
I am curious as to how to handle having a student who is very excited to learn and eventually venture out into a career that it seems nearly impossible for them to succeed in. This student cannot spell, has extemely poor study habits, is often late for class, is disruptive in class, has many visible tattoos and piercings, has to be forced to "work" in lab and is holding a passing grade by the skin of their teeth. I have offered tutoring (which is unpaid for me but something I have no issue with and think is very important). I have had no response. I have tried to guide this student by discussing what is expected in the mainstream in this line of work. Nothing seems to phase this student and the behavior continues. Any suggestions?
Career Services is a great tool to use; however, expectations of the student regarding employment should be addressed in the admissions department (i.e., background check for drugs for Allied Health programs). If it's an appearance issue, the student should know what employers look for and ask the student if he/she is willing to change some things to be more employable. You can't stop a student from taking a certain program, but he/she needs to know what will be expected after graduation.
You bring up some descriptions I deal with regularly. I sometimes feel at a loss in regards to students appearance and employability. I look forward to good suggestions how to work with these students in regards to extern and employability. Career services department does help the education department in the appearance and attitude aspect with mock interviews and reviewing personal hygiene.
Every day I come to my class with open mind and see how I can inspire my students to succeed
Hi Kim,
Wow, it seems like you have really tried. If there is a professional at the school that the student has a rapport with or someone they think highly of, you may want to have the student talk to them. Sometimes one professional can reach a student, where others can't.
Patricia Scales
