Thanks, Susan.
What are some of the effective ways you have seen that spark ignited? What do instructors need to do?
Developing motivation in students who have come from dysfunctional families is problematic for many reasons. I work with youth who fall in this category on a regular basis. One must remember that these youth love their family members in spite of what has occurred in their lives. As a result, an instructor must find a way to ignite a spark that grows into a flame of motivation. This can be difficult, but when it happens it is amazing.
Karl,
What are the steps your team takes to provide the motivating environment the students who do not have the strong, positive family influence need?
The mentors that effect me the most are family members. It is hard for me to see how some of my students have to be motivated when they come from dis-functional families. That must be a hard thing to overcome, and a huge opportunity for facilitators.
You were fortunate to work for someone who put the students first rather than managing to the numbers. This individual probably realized that doing the right things would lead to the best numbers in the long term.
In general, despite being the Director of Admissions, he was not a "numbers first" type of boss. The concern in that office was always the student and the acaedemic integrity of the school. That seldom happens, especially in admissions!
Thank you Timothy. What were some specific things about his approach that helped you form your foundation?
My first job at a University provided me with one of the best bosses I will probably ever have. His view and approach on our role within the school and in regards to students was crucial in my views and thoughts. At the I was with a state affiliated school, (currently I am with a for profit college) his teachings remain the foundation of how I approach my responsibilities to this day.
When I was in culinary school, one of my chef instructors took the time to answer each and every question I asked. Whether or not she knew the answer, she would help me to learn something new or direct me how to do so. I now have those same students and I know how important it is to feel informationally fulfilled and I do my best to make that happen.
Now it is even more important to Mentor Students in this rough job market.
Many times I did not realize/recognize that the person who taught me something was indeed mentoring me until much later in life.
With a good attitute and an open mind one can gain a world full of knowledge and be successful.
Scott,
Thank you for this post. You were fortunate to have two influential mentors.
What are some of the things you do intentionally to position yourself to be a mentor for your students?
There have been many that have helped me over the years but there are two that have always stood out to me. I had a middle school teacher that saw that I was only doing what I needed to get by. So she told me I had a choice and A or F nothing in-between. It set my work attitude for the rest of my life. (yes I did get an A ) The other was a freshman english teacher that saw that I was struggling with spelling so she spent many extra hours bringing me up to speed and I can not tell you how much it has helped me through life.
Randy,
How do you teach your students to be accountable? Are there specific strategies that work well for you?
Everyday I try to be close to the people that have helped me.
When I was working on my undergraduate my mentor was a very dear gentleman that had received two doctorate degrees and when I entered his class he treated me like I was there to instruct him. He told me that everyday he came to school to learn something new. And I never for got it. What a mentor. And at the same time he really knew how to hold me accountable.
John,
What was it that made you hate school? What are one or two specific things you are doing to make sure your students never hate being in your class?
I hated almost every minute of school. After thirty-five years working in the field it was no longer fun. I felt I was too old to start over and go back to school as a student, so I started teaching what I had been doing for the past thirty-five years. It was the best decision I have ever made.
I always wanted to be a teacher since I played school as a child. No mentor... just my mission in life.
When I was in the automotive field I had one Service Manager that told me the only thing I have to offer anybody is my integrity.I have remembered that and I feel that building trust with people around me allows me to be credible in their eyes.
