Retention
In a class room of 40 to 60 students it seems every now and again we will get a student who just is not prepared emotionally or mentally to be there. Do we coddle them as was mentioned in section 1 and make the rest suffer or just accept the fact and leave them behind? This being after all avenues are exhausted such as counsuling and tutors.
While it's true that an instructor can't put money in student's pockets, find transportation, etc, the instructor can help the student learn how to solve problems themselves. Oftentimes, we think students are being irresponsible, when in fact they are overwhelmed and don't have the skills to analyze the situation and make sound decisions.
This is why many colleges are offering success courses that are typically taken during the first academic period. This can take pressure off faculty later on.
What form of ownership or responsibility does the student have in this situation? As an instructor I can provide the training and knowledge to assist in their career goals. I can't put money in there pockets, find transportation, find a babysitter, etc. At some point the student has to decide whether he/she is in a position to proceed forward with his/her education.
No, I believe that you need to set up time to meet after class or before to give as much time as is necessary.
It's good to hear that someone agrees. After intial consultation and repeated attempts to assist this student, we can no longer be expected to jepordize the learning environment for the other students.
Hopefully, there is a middle ground between coddling and canning. However, ultimately, responsibility for success lies with the student.
If the student isn't emotionally or mentally able to perform to a satisfactory level or have a reasonable prospect of being able to work in the field, the institution is duty bound to terminate him/her. To take tuition from someone who has no prospect of mastering the competencies of the course violates the contract made with the student.
Obviously, this is a decision that shouldn't be made cavalierly and should happen only after a thorough evaluation of the alternatives.
