one method does not fit all
it take along time to be good enough to work with students to find out what is causing their problem(s),and come with a solution. always seek help if cannot solve the problem, others may have a solution.
Reynaldo, you raise some interesting points. Adjuncts frequently are on campus only for their classes and may not time for in-depth advising. In these cases, it is very important that they know how and where to refer students for the help they need. However, full time faculty should be fully versed on the services that are available and be prepared to either help the student with their problems or make referrals to someone else.
That also applies to instructors. Adjunct professors and full time professors do not have the same time for counseling, talking, advising etc necessary to help the student. Not only that the professor may not have the necessary background for, let's say, adivising
This is why it is important to make that phone call on the FIRST missed day & try to discuss it before it gets to the point that they cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Some students don't want to share anything about what is going on and effecting their schoolwork. It's not right to force them, so I just reassure them that they are not alone, that we have lots of resources to help them. They should take advantage of them!
I think one good example would be: If you listen to your students and let them know you understand and send them to a place where they can see all the options they have to hopefully resolve their concerns you show them that you are being empathetic. In the other hand when you are sympathetic you want to take the student and resolve the problems with them. You cross the line specially if you have encounter a similar situation.
Do you have any suggestions for being able to differentiate empathy from sympathy?
we need to listen to our students and try to put ourselves in their shoes that sometimes helps with understanding what is going on with them se need to have empathy not sympathy
I agree!
The best way to bond with a student is to empower them by pointing out the small successes they have in the classroom. For example showing the student a progression of passing quizzes or completed assignments. Show them that you believe in them.
Wow, it seems like you are treading on very dangerous ground. How do you handle these discussions? Is it something that you address to the class? Have you any negative reactions?
I agree on this. I am totally for listening to people and their problems. But I have found that alot of the students in my classes have perceptions due to influence from their religion or beliefs. It is a very difficult topic to touch, but you can not be afraid to discuss it. I explain to them that their religion or belief is not the one and only religion or belief in the world and maybe you need to take a step back and look at it through someone elses eyes to get a fresh prespective at the problem at hand and this usually breaks down some of the bariers and opens their views up a bit more than the tunnel vision they have at the original moment.
Caution is the watch word here as deep vertical probing must possess key behaviors such as eye contact.Based on the reaction from the eye contact you can determine if the student feels they can confide in you,or they are not ready to open up to you yet.DONT PUSH TOO MUCH.
We first have to put students at ease to trust us. It is earned and not given! If the atmosphere is conducive, we can begin to listen, observe, and take a proactive approach to solving problems before they become acute.
Tiffany
I think it is helpful to make an effort to get to know a little bit about the students through informal chitchat, for example before or after class. This may make the connection that allows them to feel comfortable enough to open up if they are experiencing stress.
It also helps to find about the student background for their perception of the problem could be influenced by beliefs, religion or cultural traditions.
I'd also add showing students how to identify resources that will be useful in overcoming problems or barriers. Teach them to fish ...
What techniques do you use to help students feel empowered? How do you present them to students - individually, part of a classroom presentation?
It is true we as instructor need to have and pasiens to lisent to our students
again-this might be true in some cases/not in others. many of our students have realized that their own aproach to solving their problems did not work, therefore they want to listen to you . it's obvious that you have to listen first to find out what the problem is and the students aproach to solve it-then you need to talk and HELP by giving good advise, based on your education and experience with the matter on hand and IF available, your life experience.
I think helping the student to feel empowered to overcome hurdles is crucial. If they take control of their lives and education they will hopefully be able to solve issues before they get to the crisis stage.
