Listening
Being able to help students requires giving them our undivided attention and listening in an effort to brainstorm and offer up suggestions that will lead them to a solution to their problem.
We need to remember that no matter how small we think their problem is, it is very big to them. It was hard for me when I started to remember not everybody handles stress the same way.
I agree we all need to develop better listening skills
That's a really good point. Just because I'm older than my students, I shouldn't assume that I know more about everything. I'm still learning from my students about coping with adversity--some of them have very complicated lives! One bit of advice I have that often helps is about pacing oneself. No one can give one hundred percent to school, one hundred percent to work, and one hundred percent to family. Finding the right balance is everything--but that balance isn't the same for everyone.
Josh, have you ever overheard a conversation that involved another instructor? If they identified inappropriate behavior, what do you do?
Loren Kroh
I totally agree. Many students just want to heard and understood. I pride myself on being a very attentive listener not only when speaking directly with a student, but also keeping my ears open and listening in general. I am often surprised at what students talk about not realizing who may listening. I have found it helpful in the past.
Listening is a very important skill in dealing with your student's retention. Usually its the first sign you'll get that something isn't going right from your student. If you simply listen to what they say about the class and how they percieve the education they are receiving, you can quickly identify somebody that may need more attention or guidance. Getting to those students before their issues seem insurmountable is key.
Listening should be a requirement of all instructors, regardless how difficult it is at times it is necessary.
Joel, are you talking about the student's accepting that their is a problem or are you referring to the sensitivity of the faculty/staff?
As in life, you must be able to hear the problem before being able to help with the problem.
Sometimes we feel that the only right solution is our solution. Over time I have learned that there are other solutions besides mine that work.
William,
I feel that you are describing the good habits of being an active listener. That is a skill that requires careful thought, and attention to the person to whom you are listening. This is a skill that I rely upon even in the classroom, to be perceptive to the questions that student's ask in class, whether it is in response to a question that I offered, or during a class discussion. Often if you show others that you are listening to them, nonjudgementally, and continuing to use the steps you outlined, then it seems to impart a higher level of questioning, and enlivens class discussions. That was very good advise.
I agree students will develop a comfort with instructors once that momentum builds along with creating a comforable enviroment. Demostrating the appropriate communication methods to students is always a plus.
I agree. One on one time. Build the rapport and trust. Allow the student to vent, state what he/she is planning to do, then discuss. Generally, once the student has vented, they can think more rationally. Getting the student to think "outside" the box, ie. pretend it is their best friend with the problem or issue and ask how the friend could solve it. Once they realize alternatives exist, the student will listen, think, and generally reach a better plan of action.
I think its important to have a repore with your students so that they develop some comfort in trying to reach out for help and then you can take proper measures to get them the help they need or to the proper person to help them.
I so agree, it is imperative that we are student focused and not teacher focused. We should most definately always listen to the student.
I think I am too quick to give advice. In the future I plan to ask more questions and then LISTEN!
