Reaching the goal
At the beginning of a new program, I congratulate the students on their first accomplishment. This is a big step for them as they want a change in life. So, I do let them know that I am here to guide them down their educational pathway to reach their overall goal of graduating from the program. We will both reach our goals as long as we communicate with each other.
Andrea,
Great approach! Recognizing small wins as often and as soon as possble is a big deal.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I am finding that this step, congratulating our students on the first step on enrollment is very beneficial. Also, it's important to congratulate them on minor vicories as well. For example, making it through their first finals week, perfect attendance, half-way through their program. These acknowledged accomplishments are welcomed and valued by our students to help validate why they are here in the first place.
I do this through encouraging all students to contact me using various methods - I also keep the communication window open by tellign hem on day one to be sure to check their emails daily - sometimes it is just a "you are doing well" to hints on where to find the answers to the homework or even study tips - the possibilities are endless and it encourages the students who may not be doing well to continue -
