listening
Sometimes the learner just needs someone to talk to, just taking a few minutes to listen can sometimes help out.
A best practice is for both faculty and Chairs to try and make an initial connection with each student entering their program- or in their classroom. Let them know you care... I believe that if we re-connect as often as possible, we can continue to maintain a level of trust & concern. I would hope the student would then seek us out to listen.
Many times the student has their mind made up long before you can break through. Continued one on one reinforcement does make headway. Trying to convince someone to listen and change their way of perception can be trying, but you can break through.
Yes, I agree. Also, when listening to a student, use eye contact, and don't "listen with your answer running". Focus on the conversation and sometimes you don't even need to give advice. Just the act of listening is enough.
Agreed, listen to what the student is asking and really put in a great explanation to what the student is asking.
I do agree with this. I always let my students know that if there is a problem that they can talk to me. I always have a open door policy for my students. I think that they feel more comfortable knowing this.
Listening is the first step to helping the student. As an instructor one can generally see when something in the students demeanor or skills is changing. Opening the door for them to talk helps us direct them to the resource they need to receive whatever help or guidance they may need -- if we are not able to help. It also lets the student see that we do care, and they are important.
Many times students that have a question which is non-course related are directed to see the instructor after class; because the instructor does not want to either spend time with the student at that particular time or is more intent on covering their material than giving directions to the student in front of an audience. When the end of the class columns. The instructor manages to slip out without ever answering the student's question. How many times have we seen that happen?
. They have many academic names or titles to deal with an obviously have a did not want to go above their comfort zone in order to get the answer. So usually and I could be going out on a limb here, they will ask a fellow student. If they had a have a solution to their particular problem. So what we experience then is a not a solution to a problem. The solution of the problem and quite possibly non-answer to the problem with a frustrated student who will eventually leave the program. Proper policies and procedures should be readily available for the student, not just an orientation, but as an ongoing process and a well-written handbook, if necessary.
It's very interesting to observe a faculty member and a student having a conversation is the faculty member really listening to what the student has to say. Where are they concentrating on getting to the next meeting or an appointment and are busy trying to figure out how to answers to question in the shortest possible manner without having to set up an additional appointment. Usually, but they will do is recommend that the students see another person, and in the conversation in that mode. What's lacking is that they really weren't listening to the students problem and therefore may have recommended the wrong person, or worse yet me not be able to tell the student exactly where that person's office is. I've seen this happen on many occasions
Students need to be made aware of the wonderful opportunities that will help them yield success. By making themselves aware of the services that are available on campus. Of course, how is this done. Is it done by letter, memo, or in a mass orientation session. Many students do not even recall a a lot of material from a large orientation session, in that they are preoccupied with other things and are not really thinking about having any problems at that particular time.
Many faculty members oftentimes say that they will are available to discuss any material that's related to the course itself. They go to the obligatory famous office our situation and make themselves available to the students at that time bonus two approaches them and may quite possibly make it known that they have a problem that goes beyond the scope of the course, the faculty member either a does not know where to send them, or be does not want to take the time to address that issue with the student during their office hours.
Wow that is so true, we sometimes get so busy that we don't really take the time out to listen to what being said. Just giving someone your undivided attention, can lead to retention. This let's the student know/feel that someone is there for them.
I think this is very true. One as an instructor by listening you show that you are interested in the student. That you are caring about the student and the issues they may have with the class. This can cause a student to begin paying more attention in that they notice this care and hopefully thus do better and not get as stressed out.
If an instructor models good listening techniques in the classroom (e.g. makes eye contact, asks questions, remains non-judgemental, does not interrupt, etc.) sends a positive signal and hangs out a virtual "I'm available to listen" sign.
I agree! If they feel you can relate to what they are going through they will trust you and hopefully let you help them through their stress.
We have such a small campus with very little turnover that we've all had the opportunity to get to know each other very well. Unfortunately, I don't have a better answer for you. Time has been on our side giving us the chance to see people shine!
How do you get that knowledge? Does your campus have a directory? Do you have an orientation that helps get people acquainted with services that are available and who provides them?
What process do you use to better know your campus individuals and their strengths? Is this something that could be done at other schools?
The Instructor should always be availabe to listen and could be helpful if only aware who
in the school is available to help with different issues, financial aid, student services
or even the housing or employment departments if the school has them.
