Adult students and their problems
I've found that adult students often have problems that are specific to their age group and which often follow them into the classroom. for instance, they may have job or childcare issues. Does anyone have tips for how to maintain a balance between maintaining a professional class environment and yot being sympathetic to these students?
Although the program demands are explained to students during the interview process, most students until they actually experience the demands will at first think they will be able to manage. They will also tell the interviewers what they know the interviewers want to hear in order for them to get in the program.
Stephanie, our sector of higher education does tend to service "resource deprived" students. They may not be totally information literate or techically literate and can even some to us with some learning disorders. The more we focus on getting to know our students academically, the better prepared we will be to service their needs.
James Jackson
Having a screening process is important, but let's face it, life happens. Since a large population of our students are low income, low education, unmarried, with children, our college ould not succeed if we did not respond to the needs of our students.
We have a student services department (1 person, really) who collects resources for various needs(child care, transportation, food, etc.) and will help students that go to or are sent to her. Above and beyond? Yes. But if we lose those students, we lose money and thus our jobs.
As an instructor, I have one-on-one conversations and tell the student it is just between them and I, not the whole class. If we make an arrangement to turn an assignment in late I tell them points will be taken off but some are better than none. We also set deadlines as then when said assignment will be turned in. I let the students give me a timeline as to when they think they will be able to turn something into be. I then either accept it and we write it down or I tell them I need it sooner. I also give them the option of email in assignments. I find this helps a LOT!
While I would rather NOT deal with these things we kinda have to if we want to stay in business. Since I work at a private school we are BUSINESS. I don't give into my students 100% but I feel like we do need to be empathtic to their needs. If they are unhappy, they will leave AND talk bad about us to their friends, on social media, review boards, etc.
Linda, great to hear your students are screened and held to such a high standard. Obviously your programs are not for everyone but at least no student can say they did not know the attendance policies before they started.
James Jackson
Barbara, not sure you want to remove sympathy but it does need to be tempered with understanding they need to grow within your classroom. Sympathy can be shown by being prepared for each course session and taking the time to plan an engaging and even entertaining lesson plan. Be sympathetic but also be an agent for a change in their life.
James Jackson
Our school also outlines the policies for the student before entering the program. Transportation, childcare and work schedules are discussed with each student. Missed classes, exams and homework all have to be made up in order to complete the program. Attendance is very important. Students cannot be late to class or absent. It is an accelerated program. A student will become behind and it will be difficult to makr up the class work.
We interview all of our students prior to them being accepted into the program. During this interview we explain to them the demands of the program and for them to make sure that they have "all their ducks in a row" prior to starting the program.
Our school has a 100% attendance policy, any time missed will be made up or the student will be dismissed from the program. This is also explained to the student prior to the starting.
I think that all program expectations have to be explained prior to them starting then there isn't any surprises when they are sitting in the class and start with excuses why they are going to be late.
