I like to ask the student about themselves and when they became interested in going to school and also about their interest in the course
What are your educational goals?
How long have you been thinking about going back to school?
What would prevent you from starting school?
These questions have worked very well for me.
Interesting question, Claudia. Using open ended questions is a great way to get to know your student. I'd love to hear some of the responses you get when you ask this question! In what ways do you find this question helpful for exploring your students environment?
What motivated you to take control of your education?
One of my most favrite questions to ask a prospective student tha tisnt sure about their decision or if they are wanting to shop around more:
I think it is great you would like to continue to shop some of the other schools, may I ask what it is that you are looking for that you do not feel you are finding here? There may be some items I have forgotten to touch on so please let me know.
Great question, Karina. It's wonderful to use open ended questions when you're working to develop a relationship with your student. It sounds like, you try to encourage your students to talk to you about their goals and what they hope to achieve through your questions. How does this question work for you with students?
What is your biggest motivation? It opens the doors for the student to talk about their goals.
Interesting question Brian. And it certainly fits with your school. This would be a great question to ask initially to find out a bit more about the student. What other questions do you ask to learn more about your students?
I work in a music school, so I always ask who's your favorite artist? Easy Ice breaker.
Great question, Tom. I bet that this question starts the conversation and your students probably appreciate answering it. It's a great opportunity for you to begin to understand where the student is coming from in order to help them begin to formulate a decision that's right for them.
I always ask what made the student intersted in our program or school. I feel that when asking what makes someone get into what they are interested in, they are always talkative and explain more about themselves.
Yes Shannon, open ended questions do make it easy to get the student talking during the one on one career planning session.
Thanks for your feedback!
Laura Silva
Absolutely Laura, questions are the key to further exploring a students challenges and to assist them in their decision making process. I get the sense that you prefer using open ended questions as a way to keep the conversation flowing, does that sound about right?
There are so many questions that work well to explore obstacles and help the student make their own best decisions regarding enrollment, during their one-on-one career planning session. My favorites are listed below:
1. How long have you been thinking about the medical field?
2. Tell me what has happend that makes you want or need specialized training?
3. What makes now the best time for you to attend school?
4. What is your schedule like?
5. What is your number one reason for wanting to make this change?
Hi Cassandra. This is a great question. As I mentioned to Marji in an earlier discussion, using questions that begin with "what" and "how" are wonderful for helping the student to really think about what's been happening in the past, present, and what they'd like to see for themselves in the future. Do you find that your students usually respond positively to these types of questions?
How would getting into the medical field change your life
These are great questions, Leticia. I especially like the second question, as it gives your student the opportunity to tell you what they believe the benefit will be for them! As you may know, using open ended questions, such as how and what, give your students the chance to tell you more about their experiences. Although, there are times that the student answers with, "I don't know". When you get this response, what type of question do you follow up with?
Great questions, Jennifer. I love the fact that you're asking questions to help students articulate why they value the decision to make a change. Isn't interesting how two people attach different values to the same product? Have you ever had this happen with a student and perhaps their support system, Jennifer? If so, how did you manage this?
These are awesome questions, Marji. I'm guessing you prefer to use open ended questions to get your students talking and gain an understanding of their story, would that be right?
"What" and "how" questions are wonderful for helping the student to really think about what's been happening in the past, present, and what they'd like to see for themselves in the future. How do you find your students respond to these types of questions?
Great question, Raj. I'm guessing that you use this question to help you understand the student's past and current environment, do I have that right? When you get a sense of the student's past and current situation, what type of follow up question might you ask next?
