I concur with many of the folks on here regarding success stories. I often feel that if I can show a student that they are not alone, that others have walked in similar footsteps as they are, and that overcoming their current obstacle is possible - I see an immediate change in them. Anything from staying enrolled in school with external factors to studying for an exam or being motivated enough to strive for success after a shortcoming or failure. Hearing that it is possible to hit a roadblock but that a real person, an actual student walking through the same halls, was able to overcome something similar... it instills a drive, and a new confidence.
I am fortunate in that I get to see students one on one. I find when being sincere with the students they open up more and you can see where their fear may be and what their true goals are. This then gives me the ability to help them to have faith in themselves in reaching their vision of a new career and better life.
Jason,
This is great to hear. GE faculty are very important, but often overlooked by both students and staff. Working in coordination with the professional course instructors is essential.
Jeffrey Schillinger
As an English instructor, I have a great opportunity to weave EQ development into my curriculum. My essays as them to examine their past, analyze their present, and envision their future. I've found that these types of assignments fulfill 2 functions: they provide rigorous academic materials and they improve self-efficacy. As the LI for Gen Ed, I help my faculty develop similar assignments.
Andrea ,
how would yu respond to those who believe students' moods and personal issues would better be addresses be professional counselors rather than teachers and administrators?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Some of the techniques I have used to develop my students' "Emotional Intelligence" are by inquiring into their well being and that of their families outside the classroom without imposing on their privacy, be cognize of the students’ emotion well, if there is any noticeable mode or behavior changes and encourage the student to discuss them and try to find solutions.
Donna,
This is a great strategy. Thanks for sharing it.
Jeffrey Schillinger
When teaching students, I showed them where to find a host of possibilities for their futures. They researched potential jobs, pay scales, and educational requirements. This helped them focus in the short term on their path, and gave them some long term aspirations.
Jeannette,
It is also a good idea to share your experiences. Positing oneself as a "similar other" helps teachers establish believability and rapport.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree. Sharing successful stories of previous students really helps them relate to others and encourage them to continue their education.
Soft skills are extremely critical to our students success. Just like the course suggested, if the soft skills are not adequate, the student will unlikely be successful. Each instructor receives training on how to help a student develop this. We must sometimes be more than the model, mentor and monitor - we must be the mediator, couselor, pastor, parent etc.
Our students need extra support and encouragement to change their point of view and/or their choices in order to change the outcomes they want. Having instructors who are willing to listen and help them or get them to someone who can help is so beneficial. This is often the first place in their life where others believe they can be successful - we need to build their trust and then we can begin to help them make the kind of choices that are proactive instead of reactive.
It is important for students to realize that you are human too and make mistakes. Every mistake is an opportunity to make a change and to learn from.
I emphasis to students it is great to get good grades but it is even more important to have a positive attitude. I can teach someone who has a positive attitude. I can't teach someone who has a negative one. Employers look to hire individuals who have a positive attitude. It is infectious and spreads. It the long run it spills over to the customers who will want to return no matter whether it is a retail establishment, doctor's office or museum.
Instill in your students every day the importance of a positive attitude and talk about the things they need to do to be successful such as dependable, team player, reliable, etc.
James,
It takes more than just a great attitude to develop Emotional Intelligence. What are some specific thigs you do to help your students build EQ?
Jeffrey Schillinger
By having a great attitude with the class even when I get stressed out by the class on those days when things just seem to be all messed up.
Kristine,
Thank you for this post. This is an excellent teaching approach.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I am very cognizant of the fact that as a career-college, we are charged with not only educating our students on the substantive material, but also teaching them those soft skills that are so essential in the workplace. On example is that every term I assign a legal project that requires the students to present their findings to their supervising attorney. This exercise has the students working on their oral communication skills, which are essential to every paralegal.
We always discuss the practical side of the field in class. Each class has a project where the student must act as the paralegal presenting the result of an assignment to the supervising attorney. The focus is on the ability to communicate effectively about the results of an activity. I emphasize how important the soft skill of oral communication is in the legal workplace.
Faculty share the successes with the staff that student have had in the classroom. No success is too small. A "c" grade may feel like an "A" to someone. staff will reach out to those successes and congratulate them.
Awards, smiles faces on returned work and tests.
During the week of class, we have our most recent working gaduates speak to new students. During the Mid point of the stdeunts program we bring in Employers that work with our externships to talk about the opprtunities at their company and the successes they have had with previous students.
Mary,
Painting oneself as a "similar other" often helps teachers build rapport.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I tell them short stories of how I made it to becoming an instructor. I talk about the mistake's I've made along the way as well as the success's.
