Our Business is Changing Lives
Sometimes by sharing with the students the obstacles you overcame to reach where you are today can help them overcome their fears and doubt
Anthony,
Whenm you are seen as a "similar other," you can relate well to students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
This is SO true!!! I share my personal journey with them when I feel they are starting to feel discouraged with the workload the course has to offer. I tell them I appreciate their hard work with school, jobs, significant others, and children that take their toll on themselves.
When I share my experiance, it makes them feel more connected to me.
The most important thing I do to change lives.... being a model and a mentor.
I agree we change lives one at a time. Each student is an individual, coming from diverse backrounds. Indeed everyone needs encouragement but in different ways. It could be as simple as assisting them with their study habits to help improve their grades. On the other hand it could be as complex as dealing with students who are victims of domestic violence or who are homeless. We as a school community have to be there for the students with all the resources possible to help them achieve their goals.
i believe if we do not make our students confident in their work we are failing as instructors.
Absolutely. Something that we take for granted can be such a challenge for our students ,,,, helping them understand a bus route can change their life!!!
Our school moto is "Changing lives one at a time"
I believe in this philosopy, if you set clear objectives and expectations following the model,mentor and monitor guidelines the students will succeed. In part they are seeking not only the knowledge, but a positive mentor to guide and set a good example of what they should see themselves as in the future.
Kathryn,
Little things make a big difference.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Changed a life recently merely by teaching a student how to catch the city bus - she was unable to understand the schedule, tokens, etc.. and now that she's mobile, the world seems to have opened up for her!
I believe the most important thing we can do as it relates to changing the lives of our students is being true to ourselves, making ourselves available and practicing the art of listening and not just hearing.
Dawn,
Sometimes framing conversations as a "similar other" for students allows them to see that you really know where they are right now. It helps them to see where they can go.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I know for me, the student success is my success and the company's success. I try to talk with them about personal success and what that means to them, a few minutes at the beginning or end of class. I ask questions, share what personal success means to me.
Ashley,
Students respond well when they see students as "similar others." Keep doing this.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree! I begin every class talking to the students about my personal struggles while in school. Most seem to respond well to what I say & will talk to me if there is anything in their lives that seems to be hindering them.
Even though it feels as though we are doing a sometimes thank-less job, when we do help one person change the direction of their life, all the hard work was worth it.
Donna,
What is the most important thing you do to change lives?
Jeffrey Schillinger
we haqve the opportunity to change many lives
Agnes,
We call this painting one's self as a "similar other." It can really help students to see what they can become.
Jeffrey Schillinger
