I believe that adults already have a personal support system. It think it's a matter of them acknowledging their system (perhaps in writing at the beginning of class) that they currently use, be given some time (in the course) to see its effectiveness, and go back to it and tweak it.
"Seeing how effective you were in the previous X weeks with your documented personal learning support system, what changes would you make, if had to make changes to it? What different outcome would you expect after having made each of those changes?"
On the first of class I like to pair the students and have them interview and introduce each other -- and that is the first step in establishing a buddy system.
Ann,
Can you expand on this suggestion so we can understand how you use it with your students? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Getting the students to open up to each other/ getting to know each other
David,
I am a big fan of group projects and learning as well. I feel students need to learn how to work with others in different settings as they will be doing such most of their working careers. This is part of their soft skill developmental process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use teams as well in my classes. I always have a portfolio/team project which accounts for 25% of the entire grade. I give each team 10 minutes in each class to work on their project. It also provides a mechanism for them to expand their personal support system by getting to know their classmates better.
Kellie,
Paired and/or peer learning is a great way to get students interacting and learning how to work with each other.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Pairing new students with former students, older students with new students
ALLAN,
So true in terms of the value of a support system. This is the reason many students are in school so there is nothing wrong with playing on this while also helping them to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am fortunate to have a class that receives new students extremely well...my guys go out as a group on the weekend and give each other rides to class etc. I like to think that this is due, at least partially, to the fact that I ask them to ask each other for help before asking me. Most of the time they get the answer before needing me: More importantly, they learn to work together and the more experienced students get to reinforce their knowledge by explaining it. If I do see a student not integrating, then I will pair them or create a scenario where they have to work with the others...super important that they have this feeling of support while in class and also out of class in my students' case...especially when it comes to retention...my guys enjoy coming to class to learn but also to see their buddies. Cannot over emphasize the importance of a support system.
Marcellina,
Good strategy because it helps and supports everyone in the class as well as giving each student someone they can call on should they need to.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have students create a buddy system as well. They bond more quickly. Support each other with issues like transportation and even child care. I think it decreases some of the negaive effects of some external stressors.
Creating a dialogue for the students and pairing them up often aids in breaking the ice.
One way that can help is to each student discuss their interests , hobbies.
MaryAnn,
Your last sentence speaks about a key part of what we do as instructors. By knowing about our students and then working with them on their goals and expectations we can be the support and mentor they need to have for course success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I love this idea!! I think this is a great way to also break the ice in a class as often the students are too afraid to interact with one another and it starts them on a road to create dialogue. Have you had a lot of success with this?
I think you can...first, again, getting to know your students and their own personal lives can really help an instructor in developing that support system for them. An instructor can be a wonderful support system, as an advisor or a department Director. They key is identify what their wants and needs are then literally sit and develop one with them
Chukwuka,
Good way to offer options for support to and for your students. This way the students can select those that best fit their needs, style, and preferences. It is good to have options and you are offering them such.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do not have a set way to create support for my students. I usually start the support system by telling them that I have an open door policy. They are free to email, text, call, or just stop by to discuss whatever that would help them succeed. Those that prefer would be encouraged to use classmates, library, or other resources found on the campus.
