Students' personal baggage
In a world where everyone loves ascribing to themselves labels that are debilitating on some perceived level, there are some students that, consciously or not, revel in it. Being model, manager and motivator can be perceived as an exercise in tact to some instructors.
I agree that students tend to think that their situation is unique. I often encourage them to think about their personal reason for returning to school and completing the chosen program. Sometimes they just need a little help to refocus to get them going again.
Gina,
I agree. This sessions even though they deal with a needed behavior change demonstrate a level of caring about that student and his/her success in the class. Knowing the instructor cares is a strong motivator for most students and as a result better behavior results.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I completly agree, when we have a conference with the student even though it is a touchy subject such as tardiness, or grades. I believe that we can use that as a type of connecting or bonding experience if you will. The student feels that you care about them.
Pat,
Can you expand on this point so that I can get a better understanding of your comment?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This fact is especially difficult when teach a professional development course.
Carolyn,
It is personal interaction like following up on absences that establish a connection with students and help them realize that their instructor cares about them and their success. This often is enough for them to renew their effort and increase their dedication to their educational endeavors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree. As instructors, we strive to keep in touch with our students that have missed classes for what ever the reason. And it is during those conversations that we have an excellent opportunity to keep them on track and motivated and to remind them of their personal goal that led them to persue higher ed in the first place.
Anita,
This is one of my biggest issues as an instructor. I am a very approachable individual, and for that reason, in every class that I teach, I have quite a few students "unload" on me. I have heard horrifying stories, from one student who lost her house, had her car repossessed, and had DSS take her children all in one week, to another student who had trouble completing her work because she was living in a house that had no electricity. What you said is key. Everyone has struggles. They key is to be resourceful and instead of finding reasons why you can't, find reasons why you can. No matter how dire my students situations are, I always motivate them and encourage them not to quit, and I model that behavior by informing them of some of my own personal obstacles and how I overcame them. Furthermore, I manage the situation by refusing to "babysit" them despite their situation. They are still expected to turn in their work and put forth their best. My program director once told us: The tree that bends with the win is the tree that doesn't break.
Anita,
I agree. It is easy as a student to become so focused on surviving as a student that you for get that others have sit where you are sitting and they have struggled as well. In addition, all instructors are former students themselves. We all have worked hard to get where we are and we are there to help students be successful if they will put forth the required effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that if you can let the student know that they are not alone in their struggles..that everyone has struggles. The key to being successful despite them is to remember that the situation is a temporary one, and to be resourceful when trying to cope with any circumstances.
Kathy,
You hit on three big elements of being an effective instructor in terms of the human factor. Helping to motivate them, being a good listener and giving them structure to their learning process by being the disciplinarian as needed. These factors are what will keep the students moving forward toward their career goals while gaining the knowledge and expertise needed for success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Dealing with students' personal baggage can be much like walking a tight rope at times especially in the adult learner. Adults come with lots of baggage and personal issues. There are times that they need a great amount of motivation to get through school, especially when there are outside influences affecting their attendance. I have found I need to be a good listener, but also a little bit of a disciplinarian and most especially a good motivator to keep them on track and able to see their goals.
Nikolas,
These three roles can help to support and encourage students as they move through a course. The more we can provide them with content and skill development the greater their ROI will be in their schooling.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
