Power of Vision
I firmly believe that we as Instructors play such an important roll in helping our students create a vision and then helping them achieve that vision, some students we have to give more encouragement too in order to help them see that the vision they have is a "realization for Their Success", and that makes our jobs as Instructors so vitally important. Our students count on us. How we perceive their "vision" is not as important as how we help them reach it!!Then we are successful and so are our students.
Michelle,
Getting former students to return is often the difference between good retention performance and exceptional performance.
Jeffrey Schillinger
No we don't - never thought of that, what a great idea!
Michelle,
Great approach. Do you use the vision cloud to help you reach out to students who have interrupted their studies and are potential reentries?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I completely agree with this comment! It is about the student's vision and how they see it (not how we perceive it). At my school, at student's orientation, we would have each student fill out a 'vision cloud' (similar to the form they provided in the class). When things got tough we would pull out the student's 'cloud' and remind them why they are here. At the end of the program we would return the clouds to the students to show they reached their goal and are one step closed to their visions.
Wayne,
How does that information get sharred to faculty members or staffers who may not see the student until later in matriculation?
Jeffrey Schillinger
At Orientation our Student Services Dept. has the new student complete a "Why I am attending ___ school" card. They share this infromation with the faculty. This provides us with an insight into the student and allows us to use the information to keep the student motivated on those hard days.
Rebeccca,
Documenting students' visions in the student information system can help all members of the team assist the student in keeping focus on that vision.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree. Students need to have a vision to stay on track. Having smaller goals along the way to achieve keeps the student motivated. Celebrating these successes will motivate the student to persevere and achieve thier vision.
we as teachers have to help the students visualize their future and theach them how to achieve thei goals.
Kathleen,
Vision boards are one way to inspire students to see where they can go. They help students see themselves as successful.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I teach a very hands-on subject, massage therapy. I find that actually having my students create a vision board helps cement their visions for their education and their future. They can keep it somewhere they can see it daily as a source of encouragement.
Blossie,
70% of students who attend a career college are the first in their family to attend. 70% of students in traditional colleges had at least one parent go to school. We are changing lives when we flip the odds.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I encourage my students to have a vision which entails their children having better lives by acquiring an education. I tell them that when their children see them studying and ultimately being successful, they are enlightening their kids and presenting demonstrating a new expectation.
It is much easier if you paint a picture for a student so that they can visualize their own success. It is also a basic sales principle.
I start the first day of each block asking students what they want to accomplish when they complete the course and graduate. During the 6 week term I personally communicate with each student to solidify to them the accomplishes they want and to always stay focused on their goals and aspirations. Everything is attainable!
Scott,
Many times vision is formed during recruitment. How do your Enrollment Representatives and Teachers communicate bout students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
The majority of students enrolled I see do not have a vision. As educators we should help the student to start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Start by asking them whare they want to go? How do they believe they can get there? Always do your best to keep them pointed in the right direction to achieve their goals.
Without a vision students tend to just go through the motions. It's as if they are just at school to see if they like it rather than using their education to canapult them into thier careers.
I agree. There is something to be said about the Self Fullfilling Prophecy (aka The Secret). I have always encouraged my students to have this type of attitude. It can help them be more confident, increase grades, and help them find a job!
