I would first identify if there is a learning disability, Then I would offer strategies to the leaner behavior as documented.
Hi Kelly, I agree that it is important to help build this learner's confidence by developing trust and find commonality. Great advice! Tina
Establishing rapport and connecting with this at risk learner is crucial not only to their class survival, but possibly to their other endeavors as well.
I would use either something from their bio material or explore on what their dream looks like and how I/we can aid them in its actualization. Using this material as a corner stone to build their confidence.
Secondly, I would seek out the specifics of what they may not understand, and attempt to break the material down and provide ancillary resources or fellow e-classmate to strengthen what they do know as well as shore up that which may have given them difficulty.
Finally, be available and accessable to reassure and encourage.
Hi Aisling, we are also using checklists with a lot of success! As I said before, you have some excellent strategies for managing the online learning environment to support students:-) Tina
When I come across a student like this I email them within a few days of the posts and ask them what I can do to help them with their dream. I then set out a system of checklists for them to help them not feel over whelmed and also give them more confidence. Just by breaking things down into more simple steps can really help a student over come their fears.
Checklists are a great way to help students built up confidence in themselves and their ability to become more motivated as they have a road map to how to take part in the discussions and I have see many a student shine at the end of a course once they were giving these simple tools. By offering support and reassurance to this student you can really build up their confidence. I then to use Skype or the live chat area to speak to this student so that they can see me and make it more personal. By offering support both with the checklists and personal support this can really help this student.
Hi Angela, I encourage my faculty to pick up the phone and talk to learners. Many times it can alleviate a lot of issues in a much shorter amount of time! Tina
I would write a personal email to the student or even contact the student via telephone. I would focus on working with the student one-on-one virtually to make a plan of action for catching up and also time management to stay on track to avoid the overwhelming feeling. Some students require more assistance than others and that cannot be ignored in the online environment.
Hi Joan, yes, I agree. I think an important component of your outreach will be motivating the learner to keep going and not give up! Tina
This student sounds at-risk for leaving the class and.or program.
First, I would email the student providing additional resources to help the student understand the material. I would also offer a chat session to help discuss any material the student is having trouble with.
Second, I would find highlights from any work they have done and reiterate the positive aspects from their past work demonstrating they can be successful.
Third, I would suggest some time management techniques and remind them of their goals.
I would contact the student and try to determine which element of the course is the most troubling.
Is it the platform, course materials, textbook, discussions, assignments, etc.?
Once I find out what is the most troubling, I could work with the student to get them up to speed and become more comfortable.
Hi Rebecca, I agree. When learners post their fears often I see other learners replying back that they have the same fears and they try to comfort the learner, which helps to alleviate some of their anxiety. Tina
I appreciated what Samuel and Michael wrote about this question. I too have experienced a learner who will use the discussion board to announce their "fear." I tend to analyze first, act second. Why would a student publicly announce their challenges or ineptitudes? Do they want to soften their appearance of being an average scholar or less than valued team contributor?
Albeit comes down to the same theme I read in the discussion board -- fear and low self efficacy. Fleshing these type students out into the open where it feels safe to express their real life experiences as they apply to the course content is a skill. It will take the intuitive and constructive teacher to gently lead this type student out into safety. When a student finally feels "safe" in the online and very public environment, they will be more likely to let the concepts and ultimately the words flow. I provide examples of assignment responses to some students. I find this helps them tremendously -- and their papers do not sound just like the example. Some students just need a leg up "theoretically" and they seem to come together eventually.
Hi Amy, we have been working on a set of scaffolding tools to support learners who have a difficult time understanding the content. We are using roadmaps, checklists, and graphical organizers, which are helping them organize the activities and understand concepts. Tina
I would take the "dream" expressed and go from there. Try to ellicit more from the student and draw them out. Try to get them to focus on one topic and try to post something meaningful to them - something more low risk that they be confident in posting.
To be honest, this is where I probably have the most difficulty with teaching. When students express messages of failure in the discussion or that they do not understand the material, I am typically confused by the response. I will usually tell the learner that he/she is a good student and if he/she is concerned about (insert concern here), then I will also suggest some helpful resources. When they say they don't understand the material, get the class or even hate it, I will sometimes request they contact me by email with specific questions and I will do my best to help. For both cases, I address them publicly so others can possibly receive relief from my response and feel comfortable addressing their own concerns.
Two related things might be going on with this student. First, they seem to lack confidence. Second, they may not quite be prepared for the class. I'd want to sort that out first.
If they are well prepared, but lack self confidence, I would arrange a synchronous chat with them and discuss their situation. In my feedback to their postings, I would point out what they have done well, and also that they are being a bit hard on themselves.
If they are not well prepared for the class, then I would point out where they can go to learn material that they may have missed. (Acutally, I provide help sheets for that purpose for all students.)
In either case, in my personal communications with them, I would maintain a positive tone. I would indicate that they have undoubtedly had many successes in their lives and can apply the lessons learned from those experiences to this new challenge.
Hi Archie, I agree. It's really important to build the learners confidence that they can be successful and let them know that you are there to support them! Tina
I would start off my letting the students know that they have a capacity to learn; if they didn't they would not have been accepted into their particular program. With this being said, I would send out additional "Instructor's Notes" on the particular subject/concpet in a summary form. I would then contact each student personally and ask them the question, "What can I do to ensure that you successfully complete this course?"
Samuel,
I agree with trying to get the student to take "little steps", I think the challenge would be to get the student to post something that you know they already understand. I think helping them build confidence in what they do know is key. Knowing that they have an instructor there to help them out is a good thing. Some students will need that little extra push and knowing that the instructor cares about how they do, that will help a great deal.
Hi Ann, I think the more you can scaffold the learning experience for this learner, the more likely they will be able to successfully complete activities. We are using a variety of templates, worksheets, and checklists to support learners. Tina
