Get Your Students Hired
Getting someone to open up starts the moment the walk threw the door. Ask them questions like its all about communication and making a person feel welcome.
I usually get on first name terms with studends fairly quickly.
This doesnt prevent unexpected walk outs though. Many have come to me with problems well outside my expertise, those tend to stay (they know they have a problem and know someone is listening)
Sometimes I can direct them to correct department, sometimes they dont want anyone else to know whats going on.
The students who don't obviously have any issues or problems can literally walk out during class without any warning or explanation and never come back.
I still havent found a way to identify this type of issue.
welcome to your next class,goes a long way in breaking the ice and starting to bridge the communication gap.
We have a meet and greet at the door before every class. This gives me an oppertunity to observe and evalute mood. A very good tool.
Agreed. We absolutely need to show the students that we are approachable. We are their first line of defense and spend the most time with them. It is amazing how far a little positive reinforcement can go in helping the student cope with perceived issues of self-esteem.