How do you know......?
I am the Freshmen Instructor as well as the Student Services Cordinator at my school. When students first begin in my class their excited, there adrenaline is pumping. Usually about two to three weeks later is when I discover the problems. The students whom have adapted to school well are those who do not have the problems I am going to mention, but the well adapted students are having a hard time dealing with this group. Mental illness, drug and/or alcohol abuse, living in a highly dysfunctional home. How do I deal with this and help my other students deal with this. It takes time to gain the trust of a student to either open up to you or to get them to open up. I can counsel most and give them solutions, and give them the proper tools. These are the first students to either have attendance problems and drop. They cannot or have a hard time adapting to a regulated life style. I can honestly say that during the admission process most of these students go un noticed ( I am not blaming admissions). So how do you know how to help and teach a student with these issues while keeping the rest of the students happy. Is this a complex issue or a normal issue?
Kim
I agree as well a few weeks of excitement wears off . You really do see who will make it and who will not. I do agree with as a n instuctor we do act as if we take the role on as counselers and to motivate the students. Yes there are studdents that have diffferent issues and we see different walks of life. We can try to correct them alone and achieve the goals and expectations that need to be met..
I agree with your statement about after the initial few weeks excitement wears off you can begin to see who is going to make it and who is not. As instructors we also take on the role of counseler as well. Sometimes certain students have issues that cannot be correctd by us alone.
I have encountered the same situations in my 11 years of teaching at a culinary school. There will always be disruptive students in the group.
I always remind myself to focus on the student experience. I try to help all of my student's achieve the goal I set for the day. I show them during demonstration what the product is for the day and they have to try their very best to turn in the same if not better than what I made during demo. Everyone is always on a time schedule and they just have to learn early on that time is money. Most of the students that come to a culinary school are passionate and really want to be here. There are always going to be some that are still searching for what they are passionate about. I try to give equal time to all of my students but they will soon realize that if they do not ask me questions then they will not have very much time with me.
I walk around and help as much as I can but I make sure that they keep to the schedule for the day. You asked How do you know? Well we really do not know anything about our students until they share whatever it is with us. We as educators need to help when and where we can.
If it is beyond our capability then we have to direct them to where they can get help.
I believe that the student needs to accept that they need help first before we can help them.
Mr. Loren Kroh has inspired me by saying that we help change lives for the better and I am going to remember that for the rest of my life.
I live to the fullest one day at a time.
thanks and Aloha,
Geraldine Reyes Chef Instructor
Ask questions and have local resourse lists available to help the students with concerns outside the learning enviroment.
I have been able to manage the situation by remembering that one or two bad students really can affect the class but there are other students who are truly ready to learn. It is only fair to deal with the disruptive students and keep the class going - there are others willing and waiting to learn and they paid for the course.
The students with issues can be addressed after class.
I have the same issue and i think all of us have it but is in our hands to keep them motivited, and for those that are not interest those will be come your chalenge.
Unfortunately, the answer to your last question is both. The issues you mention are ones that are all too common among students [and the general population], making them normal in the sense that every school faces the same issues.
Managing those students is very complex. Most have been battling these demons for a long time and may need professional help. There are some basic life skill tools that may be a starting point: time and stress management resources, peer mentor or a buddy system to provide a positive role model.
Probably the most valuable resource is you and your constant support. You have the ability to change lives; don't give up.
Hi Kim,
I think that it is only normal to have a few of the abovementioned type of students in your class(es). Having problem-solving skills is a must in to assist you in these situations with the addition of patience. Experience will come along as you continue to encounter issues.
Said
