I completely agree with this statement Jeffrey. I think that any educator would agree with this, but I feel that our students definitely come in with their share of personal trauma. I feel that in order to help a student TRULY succeed in college and beyond, an Instructor must be nurturing, understanding, and ready to assist students with whatever means necessary.
I can recall a particular term when I was confronted with this. I had a student who was extremely insecure and thought very poorly of herself. She was excited to be in school but was pretty sure that she would not succeed as her mother told her that she was wasting her time, energy, and money. This particular student had been abused since she was very little and because of the extent of this abuse, had no front teeth. In order to pass the class that I was teaching it was required that each student complete the term with a presentation of their big research paper. This student would have no part. She was traumatized to stand up in front of her peers and speak. When it was time for her to present, she would not come to class. Her and I spent hours together after class preparing her speech, so I was sure that she was ready, but once it came time, she did not show. She skipped the following two courses as well. I then made it my personal mission to help her get through this. At the beginning of the fourth class that she skipped, I stepped out for a moment and searched the building. I found her in the library. As soon as she saw me, she knew that she could not escape this. I held her hand, walked her into class and told her to stare directly at me while speaking. She made her way to the front, turned awkwardly to see me, and gave her speech. Her classmates were wonderful and began clapping. :) She was so proud of herself that she began to cry. I have never had quite this same experience since, but I know that this moment changed this students outlook on her life. :)
Patti,
Several faculty members have told me that they are uncomfortable dealing with many of the "out of classs' issues students bring to them. What advise would you give them?
That is funny, but I do agree. I believe a person's mental state of being can be directly tied to the success/failure in a classroom. We as instructors often have to find the root of the problem and aid students in fixing the problem instead of the symptom of the problem. For example, if a student constantly shows up late, we need to find out why and what is the cause. Everyone has issues and keeping those issues to yourself will not help the situation. Unfortunately, in order to solve problems we need to discuss the deeper issues.
Agreee, some days I feel this way. The challenge is to keep focusing on the goal.
I agree. As an instructor, I feel it is necessary to keep my student's mindframe well, so that learning is at its best potential. When a student is distracted no learning can be successful.
Undoubtedly the student's "mental health" status affects learning abilities both positively and negatively. As an instructor it is imperative that you identify red flags and possibly coach students through difficult situations or even spend more time one-on-one (office hours) to mentor, tutor and coach that particular student to success.
I agree with this statement. There are times when I have to take the first few mintues of my class to allow my studnets to story tell and get whatever drama they are experiencing out of the way. I have found that giving my students this 3-5 minutes allows them to focus in class.
I agree that we definitely have to deal with the "mental" issues of our students in that many of them have personal issues that interfere with their learning. We may not be the expert in helping them solve these issues, but we certainly should be able to pick up on the fact that something is wrong and lead them in the direction of getting any assistance they may need. Many students need encouragement they may only get from us as their instructors. We may be the only smiling face they see all day.
Sandra,
Student Services plays a vital role in student success. What are somme specific things you do to ensure that Student Services and Academics are on the same page at your institution?
Thanks, Sandra.
You certainly have the attitude that a leader must have to be successful in the career school industry. How to ensure the rest of your team feels the same way?
I agree. Many students come to me with their issues, concerns and woes. I strive to get them back on track and remind them why they are in school, I remind them of what is to come once they graduate and how much better things will be.
Yes. We are in the business of creating future success visions, we are in the business of counseling. As Student Service Director, I am the principal, adviser, confidant, my job is to keep all students on track so they can graduate and succeed. Not easy but so often gratifying and fulfilling.
When dealing with students all everyone is attempting provide the most effective learning environment and that incules asking questions to find out students mental or emotional states. Students could be failing simply becuase they have no money for food or shelter...
Being a mentor/role model is to identify early the issue. We can not dignosis or provide a treatment for the student. There are many alternate ways to assist students.
Agree- students need some one to listen to them. Sometimes the faculty can also be a mentor or a shoulder to cry on.
I agree. They are working, sometimes more than one job and taking care of their families. They are exausted but driven.
Mark
Business and schools are booth part of modern education. Students are in several multitasking situations. How do we help them get through it?
Mark
I disagree I feel mental health is a important factor in someones life and should be left up to qualified people in the field not a tech school
instructor .
Thanks for this post, Barbara.
We do indeed have our positions because students need us. The better we take care of them, including setting and holding them to appropriate academic and behavioral standards, the better off we will be as a sector.
I agree with the previous comment, and also understand that students' success is not predicated by me. I am part of a team that is employed to keep students in school, and to help them recognize their potential in school or in any other life situation. Then the company can accomplish it's goals also. Students keep me employed, and once people realize that, we will begin to be more successful than ever before.
Yes, in the sense that each of us provides a certain type of service to a student. That may be as instructor, student services representative,, financial aid counselor, etc.. However, we all are in the one business of serving our students. We do this in different ways but always with the goal of identifying students' needs, offering support, etc..
All of us should strive at all times in all ways to serve as positive models, to motivate and to mentor our students.
Student success is our common goal so in that sense, we are in one business, the business of building successful students.
