Student Frustration
I have found it important that initially dealing with student frustrations can be a great help in the long run. If you let it go on unresolved it will continue to be a problem.
I agree. Many of my student frustrations appear to be with one another rather than on curriculum concerns. I find that it is sometimes difficult to confront these frustrations when they are verbalized. I encourage from day one in my course review that students must be respectful to one another - this includes allowing each other to speak when speaking, be understanding of opinions and mindful of each other, and overall have a general respect for each other as human beings, students, and future healthcare professionals. When problems arise I encourage the students to discuss their concerns directly to one another, however, the case usually involves students avoiding one another and doing the behind-the-back kind of behavior. I do not tolerate abusive comments in class, as students will not be able to have this kind of behavior in the workplace without serious consequences. Any thoughts?
I agree, it can start off as a snowball and turn into an avalanche. Sometimes all the student needs is someone to listen to them for a moment so they can let it all out. From there if there is still frustrations they should take care of it outside of school and in some situation the student should be directed to an on-campus counselor. I feel this will help with retention.
Student frustration may stem from various things. In my experience, almost always it comes from the fact that they are distracted with personal and family situations that they need to resolve. Their focus is not with their course of study.
I agree with you. Handling initially can solve the the problem which can arise in future.
Leaving it at the door may work for some. Others will need help with the problem at the root of the frustration. Provided you have the "on campus tools" to deal with it. Problems not directly related to the campus can be listened to but must be resolved off campus by the student. Knowing when you can and can not help with is key. Useing "campu tools" as your base for providing help sets the tone as to what you can and can not do for the student.
I agree it can be like a splinter that is not removed, the longer it is there the more irritated it can become. If I have a student frustrated about something outside of the class I try to encourage them to leave the issue at the door and deal with it when they are not in the class and put their focus on the task at hand for the day. There is nothing they can do about it while they are there and not to let it interfere with what their end goal is.
