Committment
Our committment to the student as an instructor is as important to their success as the information we are trying to convey to them. If we don't show compassion and empathy for our students, they are going to sense that feeling and it does affect their success.
We elected to become teachers, to teach. The committment to our students can not be limited to classroom time alone, sometimes that dedication we have happens before, during, and for some students after class. Remember we signed on to teach.
Everyone in the school should be focused on the student's success. The staff should be able to recognize when the student is struggling, and in return give them the guidance and positive reinforcement they need to help them through their problem. The school must show the students they are committed by being available to them when they most need help.
Instructors can listen and refer students to the approriate resources without being too soft. The simple act of listening to students is often enough to show them that you care about their success.
At the same time we as instructors do not want to come accross as an overly compassionate soft spot.
