I talk to my students about how i am a graduate of this school and was a single parent like most of them. It is tough at times but I understand where they are coming from and if I can do it so can they.
Christopher,
Washing your own dishes is a big deal as you model behaviors you want students to exhibit. Keep doing this!
Jeffrey Schillinger
This may seem small, but I have gotten great results in doing it. I work in a culinary school and one of the biggest obstacles while in production is the maintain of the dish area. On day one I lay out the parameters regarding my exceptions about students not leaving dishes for others to clean. In the course of a production day I will be demonstrating cooking techniques and possibly making my class something. Most Instructors will take all of their dishes and leave them in the dish area for the students to clean. I personally will wash and put away all of my dishes and equipment. In doing so the students see me doing what I except them to do. Most of the time they start to be bothered by the fact that I am washing my own dishes and not only start to help each other, but voluntarily start to want to wash mine as well. Again this might seem small to most, but it is the corner stone of why classes morale and teamwork will break down and with that comes a increasing lack of interest in what we are teaching. In short, by walking the walk, they walk with me.
I agree Maureen. In fact, I currently have a student that will be going to their externship next semester. Unfortunately, she does not have a driving permit. Therefore, she does not have her drivers license or a vehicle to get to the externship site. Furthermore, this student stated that their family is not very supportive of their academic endeavors. They are unwilling to drive the student to the externship site. I have indicated to the student that one of our faculty members would be able to drive the student to the externship a few times a week. However, I mentioned that this student needs to contact the DMV to set up a time for the student to take the written test. Holding the student accountable and giving encouragement appears to be working as the student emailed me yesterday and stated that they are going to take the driving permit test next week.
I make sure I am there for them both. If they need help with the class or if they need help in teaching a new class or just bouncing some new teaching methods off me.
I try to remind them that they are the "Torch Bearers" of the next generation. It will be their actions, beliefs and knowledge that help shape the next wave of technology's role in Music. With this awesome power comes awesome responsibility. In the end, they can have a positive impact on changes within their respective fields.
Our program has an Honors Society for students which will give them a greater responsibility and show them they are capable of changing not only school related issues, but also make an impact on the profession. Students who do not wish to participate are also rewarded when their grades merit a President’s List Certificate, or if they have had perfect attendance in the course.
We also approach our students as Graduates, instilling in them a sense that they can succeed and reiterate how important it is that they can see that in themselves as well.
I tell my students all the time how proud I am of them for making the choice to go back to school, and encourage them to get involved in organizations where they can voice their opinions and bring about change.
Esther,
This is an old, but effective technique.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I feel that writing motivational quotes or inspirational quotes gives the student something to think about and maybe apply this to their lives on a day to day basis.
Angel,
Painting ones self as a "similar other" builds credibility. Students see you as someone like them or someone they can become.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I discuss with my students the importance of not second-guessing themselves and I also share my stories and life lessons as a means to show that determination and motivation can work together for good.
Anna,
Thanks for this post. I was able to receive a lot of support from my Director of Career Services when I taught. He made sure current students knew when and where their peers were getting positions. He also encourages empolyers to pop into classes whenever they were on campus.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I always bring in how the information relates to their career choice and all the opportunities the students will have in the workforce after graduation.
I try to reinforce that they will be successful and can affect a change in their lives. Many students come in with the thought process of not believing they are smart enough or talented enough. I try to change that impression and support a positive change.
The best way to greater self-efficacy is to give someone ownership of the items, be it a project, idea, event, policy, etc.
Melissa,
This is a simple technique that works wonders.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We have photos of our graduation ceremony posted on every classroom door and all over by the elevators where students enter the building. This provides a visual reminder of their goals!
We also integrate life and job skills into all coursework, constantly reminding students that they are building their future!
I agree, each student is unique and should receive that extra pat on the back because they probably are not receieving it at home
Donna,
There is a renewed focus on "service learning" at many career colleges.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I teach in a health care field so I stress to my students the difference they can make in the world. I encourage them to "give back" to the community after graduation and encourage them to realize how important their education can be to their community.
