Communication with at-risk students
Communication through email and or discussions are great but sometimes with a student who is at-risk a phone call could make all the difference.
I have had some students flounder in the class until I got them on the phone to encourage them and make them realize that there is someone on other end who wants to see them succeed. Sometimes a student wants to do something to better themselves but they lack the confidence, for one reason or another, to see them through.
Kelly,
Google voice numbers can be especially nice if you don't want to give out your personal numbers since they can ring numerous locations.
Herbert Brown III
We often use a google voice number which translates their voicemails to email. It has proven to be a useful tool.
I like many often reach out to the student to see if I can assist. This seems to reap positive results. I do, however, stay clear of stating the exact score on e-mail messaging. I save this for the portal.
I like this suggestion. In my experience, sometimes online students are more difficult to get on the phone than traditional students. However, I have found that texting is a current, effective way to communicate with my online students. And ... it uses technology.
I, too, have found that phone communication can be essential to the student's successful performance in the course. Presently, during my outreach attempts, I call those students who are failing to attempt to help them get back on track. Many times, the bi weekly phone calls can serve as positive reinforcement.
I agree that verbal communication is often what gets the student back on board, but we must make sure that we limit that and ask the student's permission before we call. We do not want to seem like stalkers.
If possible it might be a good idea to connect at least once with each student by phone just to insure there is a real teacher on the other end who is willing to help if need be.
I agree verbal communication makes a huge impact with many of my students. Just hearing that you care
My routine is to send a e-mail to the student reminding him/her that the assignment is due, and asking if there is anything I can do to help.
It usually triggers a positive reaction.
