How far do you go
to listen is a gift these days even if you do not have a solution, and so is understanding and compassion.
people wants to be heard.
offering guidance and support is good, and most people will find their answers within.
but the question is, is it better to hold on to a lie if there is no resolutions...
It is better to be honest & upfront about a situation. I think the students will value a true advise more
Honesty is (and ALWAYS will be) the ONLY policy. Lies in any situation always requires "follow up lies" to make a "cover up" of any kind work...
As far as as we can, until we can go no more.
I have to agree. Honesty is the best policy. It is good to listen to what the student is having to say first and for most. Then when the student has finished then you should then and only then reply to what the student is asking or wanting to know about.
If you start trying to talk before the student has finished then you might say something that might be misleading for the student.
Always be up front and honest with the student not matter what the issue is and they will respect what the outcome.
What do you mean by "how far do you go"? Is how far do go to accommodate the students in your class or is it at what point do you tell a student that he or she is not cut out to be a successful student? Certainly, the human psyche is very fragile and needs to be handle with care. Regardless of the situation, the teacher becomes the last bastion in the effort to educate many of our students.
I agree Laurent listening is a gift and many times you will get insight to an issue by listening, better preparing you to help resolve the student's problem. There is alway's a resolution being truthfull might turnaround the student's perspective.
I think the bottom line is honesty.
