I have found it relatively easy to create a connection with my students. It is based on mutual respect and a healthy level of humor. It has worked well with almost all of the students. The ones it doesn't work with are the ones who seem to have an issue connecting with anyone.
As instructors we must do several things reasonably well. One is to inspire. I attempt to do that by communicating some of the experiences I have had in massage therapy. Another is to demonstrate the relevance of the course material. I relate even the driest of academic subjects (that would be Kinesiology) to massage techniques that relieve pain and stiffness. The most intense experiences, the most dramatic statements ("you can remove pain from peoples bodies with your hands"), will not inspire everyone. but a lot of people "get it" this way. Finally, I use techniques to solve the students' own problems. This is the most powerful way I can demonstrate the usefullness of massage work.
We have to show them that we do care. We need to care enough to earn their trust.
Yes, that is what I mean. We should not pre judge who it is we think should or shouldnt need help. Only help who whoever we can in whatever way we can.
Dan, do you mean put aside our suspicions when approached by a student so we are open to hearing the problem? It seems to me that our beliefs and expectations are fundamental to the classroom experience.
As instructors we have an obligation to set aside our beliefs and expectations and try to focus on the students. If we truly want to help, we want to help all wether real or not.
I too have experienced this, but I am afraid I also am slower to pursue contact with some students due to having been "hustled" or taken advantage-of by some students in the past. It is a fine art to decide who is a scam artist, and who is in genuine need.
Many of our students have heard "we care" from a lot of people, only to be disappointed when they reach out for help. How can an instructor overcome that negative experience?
