Seperating being a teacher and a MOM
So many times I have come across students, not only in my class but other classes, that they have so many issues. When you do have their respect they still want to lean on you for advice. You can give only so much help before recommending them to student services. They are adult learners but you do get those you have to be a "MOM" at times. I have learned that students tend to be harsh on themselves if they don't get an A. One course that I teach, I do tell them that the course is hard and getting an A is hard to do but, if they do what I say such as study, get organized and dedicate themselves more than usuall than they did for the other courses then they can get that A. I show them the road to get there. Some think its an automatic so they get dissappointed. It does work for me.
Hi Belinda,
You are thinking correctly! We cannot let students consume our instructional time listening to their personal problems. You want to be there for them, but your primary responsibility is to instruct not counsel/parent. Make time to hear what they have to say outside of class time to let them know that you do care.
Patricia
I've been teaching for 3 mos. My very first class consisted of brand new students to the Insitute. Most of students did experience personal problems during the first 2 mos. I would listen to their problems and when asked for my advise I would give it to them. But once their problems were addressed class time became our priority. You have to keep in mind your well defined line between a teacher and a mom.
The objective of both the teacher and the MOM is to assist one's pupils in becoming self sufficient. While some 'hand-holding' may be necessary at times, ultimately you have to allow them to figure out how to be successful on their own.
I think the key with adult learners is to show them the techniques of how to make studying easy, explain deadlines and consequences and why the course content is important, then trust them to follow through.
When the instructor changes the focuss of the class it reduces the students ability to obtain a quaility education and puts more pressure on the student. The objection has always been to instruct them in the career choice they have choosen. It is also very important not to become a sounding board about issues they have to deal with outside of class. This takes valuable time away from other students who paid the same amount and are not recieving councling. Keeping the class focus and structure on the career they have choosen in the long run insures that the class as a whole as a better success rate than if the students do not believe that they need a mom to insure that everything they do needs moms approval
Yes, it really does. I don't have kids but I consider my students my kids. It took me a long time to learn about wanting respect from vs. wanting to be liked. I'm still learning!!!
Hi Francine,
How do you go about seperating being a teacher and a MOM. Teaching really relates a lot to parenting.
Patricia
Preparation is the key ....and motivation and setting goals are great ..
