I agree! I have many students who I think come to school just to have "social time". Their breaks are more important than staying in lab and practicing when I offer! This is one of my most frustrating areas as an educator. Any ideas would be appreciated!
Sometimes it is very hard to change negative HABEs but it makes all the difference. Lots of persistence is needed.
Andrea,
The encouragement you reference can go a long way in reinforcing the original commitment that brought the student to school.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Being committed to learning and having a positive attitude are the strongest attributes I have noticed that seperate successful and unsuccessful students. I think having an instructor that continually encourages students can help bring about positive attitudes but the student has to be committed to learning/finishing their goal too!
I try to implement this praise method by saying " good question , great question, that is a a great question I see you're really critically thinking about this" " your already thinking like you've got the job, your going to make a great (health care professional)" I like to use small "what if " exercises to ask critical thinking questions about a performing a skill and a real life patient problem to teach the students how to address scenarios. i.e. taking a dental impression on a patient who is uncooperative. This gives them exercise in real life , there are no wrong answers just some better answers than others & the students can see how other people handle everyday issues that they will be faced with.I think it helps them feel excited about their future career & gives them belief in their ability beyond just the class work.
Angela,
All of these things you list are keys to helping students develop self-esteem and coping skills.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have noticed that my most successful student have a positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and a determination like no other. They are also receptive to constructive criticism. Praise goes a long way too.
My successful students are those who seem to "work backwards" in the HABE's model. They have the expectation that they need to complete the course of study. Their belief in their ability to succeed is supported by their family and of course the instructors and staff. Consequently their attitude is they must do what is necessary to succeed. this results in them working to develop good habits (some students come to the school with good habits in place)to learn and matriculate.
I try to evaluate my students in respect to HABEs
and impress upon them the need to improve in areas lacking now in prperation for their career. As an example,a student who is having trouble getting to class on time. I work with them in evaluating how to correct the habit, to get as much out of the learning experience and to succeed in their career.
Linh,
What are one or two things you do to help students who do not already have these positve HABEs to develop them?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Bonita,
Praise, when sincere and earned, never gets old,
Jeffrey Schillinger
I like to praise a student for a job well-done.
They will want to continue to work hard.
Students that I have seen who are successfull have a "I can do it" attitude. They are more confident in themselves and their abilities to succeed. Others who are not as successful are not confident in their answers to questions or have a very positive attitude. They think that instructors are out to fail them.
Carol,
Thanks for this post. What are some of the toughest challenges students bring you?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have had many students that come with many goals and plans for their future and they look toward these goals by taking them one goal at a time. They may have many goals but they are looking toward the future. Students that come to school for the wrong reasons, parents are sending them to school and paying their way, usually don't have a commitment to their success. I agree that instructors need to help students find their goals and help them see the light outside of the tunnel so to speak. Giving them lots of positive feedback, smiles and cheers along the way are so important to these students in order for them to be successful.
I feel like praise can be a good thing at times. At our campus to help out with HABEs we like to have Spirit weeks where students can dress out of uniform we also end the week with class potlucks this way if gives the under classmen a good chance to hangout with the upper classman and talk. I think this help students stay postive and allows them you have fun.
James,
What are some things you do to help nurtyure these habits in students who do not have them when they first get to your class?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Grace, postitive attitude, and willingness to learn make the most successful students, at least in a clinical environment.
I work with the students to try to help them understand the importance of proper habits, attitudes, beliefs, and expectations to be successful in their careers. And how these are especially important in being employable.
I have many students that are goal oriented and high achievers,very well determined to succeed in life. I think their habits.attitudes,beliefs or ecpectation in life separates them from the students that are not successful.
