Mentoring Troublesome Students - Surprise Results
When I first because an academic administrator I was hesitant about having to deal with difficult students, but in the process I discovered an odd phenomenon. The ones I had to speak with the most & try to turn around with performance improvement plans and regular monitoring, almost without exception have become stellar students.
I was really surprised and then I thought about it a little more closely and realized that I knew them better than the other students. I typically called them by name when walking through the halls, always gave them a smile because I knew they needed the encoragement and spent extra time working with them through their weak areas. Looks like I was modeling, mentoring and monitoring, eh? It certainly got the same result as this module describes :).
Michelle,
Great post. Thank you for sharing this.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I feel the exact same way. I never realized until now that I also have been going about dealing with students (especially troublesome ones) using the 3 M's.
There was one student I was an advisor to that had a really rough start: poor grades, low attendance, financial issues etc. I found myself casually 'bumping' into her weekly and providing her with attention and encouragement. I used examples from my past of working full time and going to college full time to make her realize that she could do this. Since she has made great improvement and is on the road to graduating!
I almost feel as if i connect more with our troublesome students, but i do not lack attention-giving to our stellar students. I always acknowledge their achievements as well!
Magdalena,
I have taight for over 30 yeard. My favority student over all that time was one I wanted out of my class the first day. When we work hard and finally get the light to come on, it is rewarding.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I completely agree. As a newer teacher, I had yet to have the experience of a difficult student- until my last class. There was a student that, for some reason just did not get along with me or the rest of the class. The program director had to eventually get involved, and the student and I had a private meeting. Afterward, it was completely different. She taught me how to handle situations like that, as I know they will happen again. In the end, she proved to be an outstanding student, with the hardest of circumstances to over come. She, in my opinion will excelle because of her harder circumstances and incredible drive to change them.
Patrick,
Thanks for this post. It sums up what faculty members at career colleges do to help students who may need more support that what may be typical.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I concur with your statements. I have some students that want to excel however English isn't easy for them. Some have stated that will never pass and should quit. I think that with mentoring and spending additional time (tutoring) it helped. They knew we cared and wanted them to do well. I have even had some comeback to class to say "hi" and ask additional questions even they have graduated and have a job. I still cannot turn them down. I think that they see it and will one day copy(mentor) those who follow.
Ingrid,
Often the "motivation" behind class skipping is fear. If we can help a student get past that fear, good things are likely to happen.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have dealt with particularly inquisitive minds how I like to call them. They lack motivation and drive. However, mentoring, monitoring and supporting them has really paid off. I had a student that never came to any other instructors class, when I met her I tried to understand what drove her out of the classroom, obviously she wanted and education. Mentoring and a good heart in the right place motivated her to graduate with honors, it pays off.
Ernida,
The "tough cases" are often the most rewarding to see succeed. I still think about one of those students that I taught in 1983.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have dealt with troublesome students and yes i find that using the three Ms has made positive impacts in their education. It is a challenge when you first encounter these types of students However, it does pay off in the long run.In my experience, these students became great learners and gained confidence in themselves which made them very successful in their education and in their careers.
Laurel,
Thank you for the endorsement of the principles of the course. It is nice to see that they work as described when employed by a caring educator.
Jeffrey Schillinger
