Having accurate information to supply as a resource is very benifical when addressing a challenge. Understanding the complexity of thier situation and being able to provide options.
Tools I use to address registration fee- is the address to a plasma center... for childcare- give the the application for childcare assistance through the government...needs a job- I give them great jobbing websites/ templates to make their resume better...transportation- I go into the classrooms and try to find someone willing to carpool. Its is a lot of work to overcome these obstacles but works very well for me!
Catherine, thanks for sharing these tools. I'm curious, how have your students responded to using these suggestions?
Dr. Jean Norris
Our school has an admissions essay. I often find clues in the essay as to what challenges the student is facing in regard to family issues, cultural background and support. I use that to initiate the discussion. Our school also has a very informative website and video which students often have read carefully; this feature also gives them some idea of our expectations. The Frequently Asked Questions list on the website also provides a wealth of information which we can discuss with the students.
Renee, these are great resources. Thanks for sharing them with the group. It sounds like your students feel comfortable finding the right places to go if they have any questions.
Dr. Jean Norris
We have all of these same resources as well. We also have a student support office which provides snacks for our students daily and even extra clothes if it is needed. The students know this office well and feel comfortable enough to go to it when in desperate need.
A lot of times, we have a graduate of ours either make a speech or participate in a panel discussion during a new class's orientation. This helps show the students that someone else in a similar situation has been successful and made it through the program.
Tina, you are exactly right. Great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
exactly, other than using the word motivate too many times!! They need to be able to help themselves.
Tina, that is a great point. It sounds like you prefer to partner with the student, but ultimately, they are the ones that need to come up with the solution that works best for them.
Dr. Jean Norris
I try to motivate the prospect to find the solution. I might see it and try to guide him to that conclusion but I want to motivate them to see that they can overcome obstacles. When they do this they usually are more motivated to do so in the future.
Great point Mike. It is important to not assume that you have heard this challenge before because perhaps there is more to it. It sounds like you ask further questions to fully understand the challenges that a student has. I also like that you address it and perhaps even discuss solutions with sources. Great work.
Dr. Jean Norris
Thank you for sharing this Katie. It sounds like you are using a version of the "feel, felt, found" technique which can be an effective way to connect with others. I like that you allow the student to talk with others regarding their concern. This will help them build a relationship with other staff members too. Great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
I use stories. I graduated from the school a couple of years ago and many of my co-workers have graduated from here as well. When a student has a challenge that I can relate to, I mention that. When it is a challenge that a co-worker had, I mention that and offer to have them speak with that co-worker to see how he/she worked through it to come to the school. The students really seem to open up when they see that the staff and faculty of the school have been in their shoes.
When addressing challenges it is important to have a clear understanding of what the challenge is, do not assume. It may require asking more questions and once there is a clear understanding of the challenge it is important to address and if available provide a proof source for credibility.
Maria, that is a great idea. This will certainly allow them to feel like a real student and get that experience of working with the professors. They will also know a friendly face on their first day of class.
Dr. Jean Norris
i always introduce them to their instructors and let them sit in the classrooms.
Lorrie, thanks for sharing this tool. It looks like your Student Vision Form helps you see some information about the student, but more importantly, it allows the student to visually see all of their goals in one place. Great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
During the interview process I address challenges while I am sitting with them.
We have a form we use in our school called a (SVR) Student Vision Form - this forms has many question on it some of which enable us to really find out about our students needs, concerns previous schooling family situations.
It also enables us to see who else they have shared the interest with at home - so we really know who is on board with them making their decision.
What I really like about the form is that is also makes the student think about their goals both personally and professionally once again making them think about the future.
The last page reflects on finding out if they finish things they start and if not to give an example one something they started and did not finish.
Then finally the form goes into reasons that may prevent you from starting or finishing the program re: employment, child care, transportation, time and financial - so we now have a real good idea what challenges may be with them and we can address them at this time.
I really love this form its a wonderful tool given to us by our school for our interview/enrollment process.
Wendy, what a great idea. This sounds like it helps the prospective students as well as the support system feel involved in the education right away.
Dr. Jean Norris
Davida, this is a great idea. The more tools or resources you have for your students will help them make important choices on how to balance life and school.
Dr. Jean Norris
