Durring the enrollment process it may be difficult to gauge the students "passion". However on a day to day class basis you simply have to watch their attitude and how they participate in class, the ones that really want to be there let it show.
Gary, you describe a very disheartening situation. How frequently do you encounter students who are both unwilling and unable? Have you found any techniques that can be used to change their attitude toward success?
It is not that they don't have the ability. With a will there is always a way. In my experiences, they are usually lacking in one or two fundamentals that are hindering their ability to put the material together. It might be math or basic reading comprehension. I will sit and let the student know where the problems may be and tell them where to go to get extra help if I have no knowledge on the matter. If the student has the will, passion, or desire to succeed they will do what they can to improve. If they don't want to hear what I have to say and blame it on something else then there is nothing that can be done for the student who will not listen and does not have the desire. Alot of students of the newer generations have been brought up to believe their problems and failures are someone elses fault. This plays a big factor in retention as well.
How to measure passion? Ask how much they know about the subject.... how much time do they find themselves reading about the subject... are they obsessed with it or merely have a slight interest.
Hard to quarrel with this - what is your/our role in having students achieve a positive attitude toward learning?
I believe that most importantly, students should have a possitive attitude towards learning
How often do you encounter entering students who don't have any enthusiasm for the field they are entering? Have you followed up with inquiries about why they have been enrolled? If they don't have passion when they start the course, the faculty will have a very big challenge.
Have you ever had to counsel a student who doesn't have the ability to master the required competencies? If so, how did you do it?
Success requires a combination of desire and ability. No matter how much you may want to be a professional athlete, you must also have the ability to perform the required tasks.
We have a responsibility to make sure the students we enroll have the ability to perform to the level required to be successful. Any thoughts about how we can do that?
I believe if a student demonstrates passion during the enrollment process there is a greater likelihood that student will graduate from the program and use the skills learned to either change careers or supplement his/her income. Even though it is difficult to measure passion, the admission's representative should sense the student's enthusiasm during the intitial interview process.
I agree potential students should have a passion for the field they are about to enter. We also support our studets by having an open door policy to allow students to feel free to approach us any time with any issue they may have.
I agree that having the dream or the passion are not the only things necessary to be successful in the school. Potential students have to realize the time that needs to be devoted, often the financial responsibility involved, and often if they have what it takes academically.
A very strong statement to support the value of our segment. Thanks, Betty.
I feel the first step to the right student is that particular student wanting a better future. During the entire process from admissions, course completion, inter/extern, graduation and placement the student needs to know upfront what to expect. I have dealt with "wrong" students for a particular program, but I feel all students are important no matter their background or level. Many students I have molded into professionals come from shady histories, lacking in positive role models. They are now very productive professionals within their career fields. If the extra mile for the "wrong" student is needed to ensure their success, I choose to go that extra mile.
It's almost impossible to over-educate the admissions staff on product knowledge. There is frequent turnover and they have a lot of details to master. Furthermore, many don't have a natural affinity to the course material so they simplify concepts.
I have seen the process break down when admissions counselors sell the school as sure way to increase wage earnings. Additionally, I have heard counselors tell students incorrect information about how programs and classes are structured.
One effort being made to overcome the latter issue is that we will be running training programs for the admissions staff that will in part consist of instructors advising them on what is actually done in the classroom and how the program actually works.
Presumably, the admissions process is about aligning student passion and school product. How have you seen the process break down? What can you do to help avoid this problem in the future?
I wish this was taken into account when enrolling some of our students. I do not think that only having a dream is enough to enroll someone if the school is not the right fit.
I agree in principle with with what you are suggesting. Certainly the passion they have may actually be for any number of things. Whether it is a passion for their new career, passion for learning, a passion for increasing their potential earnings, or what have you, students do need to be motivated.
That is part of why making sure that students know exactly what they are getting into when they enroll is so important. If their passion or motivation is not directed toward what the school is actually aiming to achieve for them, they are very likely to be disenfranchised.
I agree 100%, in our particular industry there is a lot of hard work, both physical and mental, involved. It is important to be up front with prospective students so they know what they are in for.
