Changing Lives
We are absolutely in it to change lives, but I know I work for a for profit school, so, if they do not make money, some one will lose their job, and it could be me. Everyone needs to work as a team for the students, after all, isn't that why we are all here?
I work on changing lives every day. On the first day of class I ask each student why they are here and what their final goal is. I use that to remind them when they are struggling with something to keep them on track
One thing always still with me one of by first manager would always tell me " we need to make sure the students leave here better than they arrived." i belief that is so true.
One thing always still with me one of by first manager would always tell me " we need to make sure the students leave here better than they arrived." i belief that is so true.
John,
Not all students will make it. When a student drops, we need to ask ourselves if we did the right things to help that student. If we can honestly say "yes," we should not take it personally.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Yes it can sometimes be discouraging when students are not successful, but each of us, every day need to examine our HABE thoughts and try to create an environment in our schools that allow the best opportunity for students to suceed. John
Glenda,
Proactive approaches like this can be very effective. Thank you for sharing this.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We have a weekly save our students meeting. We create a list of our at risk students and find ways to help them stay in school. Ie...student discounts for bus pass, tutoring, ride share, job opening in the area and etc
Glenda,
Thanks for this post. What does your school do to ensure the staff and faculty members who need to know about a student's motivations have this information?
Jeffrey Schillinger
We need to increase student population. On the admissions tour, I talk with them about their goals. My questions is what do you want to do when you graduate? I tell them to focus on the end in the beginning. Start planning how. Then I tell them how I will support them. I save this info for future use when needed. I sale them a dream they can see....aka a vision
At time I find students feeling like they are stuck. Life gets in the way. I ask them whats going on? and help give them different options to their situation. These are avenues that they didn't think of and now they see a way and a possiblity of moving foward going beyound than what they thought was possible. I keep up with them until they graduate and see there life transform. Yes our job is a business. Doing our job correctly, keeping our students focused helping them when they are stuck and encouraging them along the way, will keep the business thriving along with changing lives.
Mitch,
Your post does a great job of summarizing some things teachers need to know about their adult students. We will be more effective if we find ways to help students balance their school requirements with life's other demands rather than expecting them to put school first in the way traditional college students may be able focus on academics.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I feel that Mr. Schillinger is absolutely correct. And having 20 students per class and two classes per day is a tremendous challange. I try to get to know the students ASAP. This way the 3- M's are easier. I do try to spend even a minute or two speaking to every student at least once or twice per day. Even if they are late. I don't use the lateness as a reason to discipline, I use it as a talking point and ask them if everything is OK, was there alot of traffic?? You have to realize that most students today do not consider school the most important thing in their lives.Many of them are coming from a full time job, have children or they are going to work after class.. When I went to college, most of my classmates were right out of High School. Now you have a very diverse mix of ages and backgrounds. I try to make a solid effort to show every student that I know them, I care about them and I'm here to help them. Even when they leave my class and progress onward into their chosen career path.. Mitch Becker
Diana,
What we are asking students to do is quite a challenge to them and a mission for us.
Jeffrey Schillinger
If we believe we are in the business to help others, the for profit part is just our compensation. We offer careers to so many students, especially those that are lost and don't have a trade. Which of course can make it difficult to keep them on track but in the end they are so grateful. Changing lives is what its about.
It can be difficult to remember that we are a business. So often, I get lost in the "education" aspects and lose sight of the reality that we need students if we want to stay open and viable. I am most definitely attracted to the "changing lives" piece and I am learning to be realistic, as well.
Yes! We need to always put the students first!
Bruno,
What is the most effective techique you use to make sure your students do more than they think?
Jeffrey Schillinger
We are here to inspire future professionals and make sure they can do more that what they think.
Tammy,
Most career colleges are "for-profit" institutions. Attracting new students and retaining the students we do have is at the heart of our business. We need to find ways to deliver an inspiring academic experience that produces graduates who feel they received more than their money's worth. We cannot prevent all drops, but finding ways to inspire a few more students each term can make a he difference for those students and the institution.
Jeffrey Schillinger
