Sharon,
This is such an important discussion to have with your students. If they can figure out how to develop and use a support system the odds of them completing their coursework are going to increase greatly. They need to see that they are not alone in this effort and that many folks are behind them and hoping for their success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Helping students to identify and create personal support systems is critical for student success and retention. One of the initial activities I like to use on the first day of class is to help students identify their learning style(s). It's a fun way to involve the students and through this interaction, I am able to observe student behavior(s). From this exercise, I am able to help each student identify her particular learning styles and strengths with the benefit of class participation. No student feels isolated, and from there I can introduce various ways students can begin to support each other because they begin to identify with other students who are "just like them".
Further, we are able to discuss how different learning styles,which may not be the student's predominant style, can be developed. When they interact with classmates who have different strengths, they begin to see how they can develop their own styles in those areas thereby increasing the circle of peer-related support systems.
We also discuss institution-developed support programs offered by the school and how each of these programs can be accessed by the student. These student support services include everything from peer-tutoring to community-support services when the student needs are personal.
Helping students to identify and create personal support systems is critical for student success and retention. One of the initial activities I like to use on the first day of class is to help students identify their learning style(s). It's a fun way to involve the students and through this interaction, I am able to observe student behavior(s). From this exercise, I am able to help each student identify her particular learning styles and strengths with the benefit of class participation. No student feels isolated, and from there I can introduce various ways students can begin to support each other because they begin to identify with other students who are "just like them".
Further, we are able to discuss how different learning styles,which may not be the student's predominant style, can be developed. When they interact with classmates who have different strengths, they begin to see how they can develop their own styles in those areas thereby increasing the circle of peer-related support systems.
We also discuss institution-developed support programs offered by the school and how each of these programs can be accessed by the student. These student support services include everything from peer-tutoring to community-support services when the student needs are personal.
It is useful to create projects that the students need to work in groups. I like to pair up students in the beginning and then make the groupings larger.
Personal support systems are also friends and family which may have the strongest affect on the student. I believe it is an important part of the orientation process when starting at college, that there be a discussion/presentation to help students identify the nature of the people around them. Are they supportive, are they skeptical? Being aware of the people around them may empower the student to make a conscious choice to surround themselves with supportive people and try not to give too much credence to people who are negative or skeptical. Also helping a student to identify their intrinsic VALUE as it pertains to their motives for pursuing a new career will help fuel their journey and may help them to transcend the issues they will encounter along the way.
Sheila,
I like the use of small learning groups as a teaching tool. By sharing with each other while working toward common goals the students develop skills needed for success in the workplace. Human relations are an essential part of career success so anything we can do to help growth in this area the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I would make a point of separating students into smaller learning groups. Usually I would include different cultures, personalities, and grade levels. Throughout the grouping session I would visit each group for their progress and provide as much encouragement as possible. Then, weekly, I would rotate the groups (two students stay and two students move on).
Lacey,
Support groups like this are very important as they help the students to connect and work with others. They are going to have to be able to do this in the workplace so they need to learn how to do it while in class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Creating buddy systems or smaller intimate learning groups can help in creating support systems. Students have a one on one chance of getting to know another student which may help them in creating a friendly relationship.
Susan,
You are using a method that I have found to be very effective with my generational learners. Small group work helps them to exchange information with each other and see that each member of the group has something to offer. I use a lot of case studies so they group members are working toward a common goal and as a result don;t think a lot about the age differences.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I felt old when I went back to college at the age of 27! I know it was helpful to me to see that I was the median age. I was able to relate to all students which was a plus. For some of the oldest students, and the youngest students, I realize that it may be more difficult. I plan to try to group them in the most diverse groups to encourage them all to support one another. This hopefully results in a more cohesive group where they get used to working together, which will also assist them in relating to people of all ages in the workplace.
Carolyn,
I think this is going to be a welcome support for your students. Knowing there is someone they can call on and get assistance from as needed to keep up with the learning process is a powerful motivator. I wish you success in getting this up and running.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Pauline,
What a great support system you have created for your students. I commend you for your effort in this area because I know your students have a higher level of confidence knowing you there for them to answer questions and provide guidance.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, Mariann. Assigning student groups with cultural, competency level, and age differences in mind is empowering. All students have qualities to add to any project, if they're encouraged to do so. I love watching the younger students offer their technological skills to the older students - and find themselves engaged in the subject matter. Each member of the group becomes a peer teacher.
I have tried to begin implementing what I used to do in my elementary teaching days--creating a peer support system for students (think of a student council). They work with other students, alumni and faculty to create a cocoon of support focused on the individual learner, or small group.
I have begun taking this a step further and adopting this to my faculty. Working according to same classes and implementing peer observations to help point out strengths and room for growth in their lessons and delivery methods.
At the start of every month I mix my groups up so students will get the advantage of learning from each other. I also have the students to creat an email list for at home support if needed. Students can opt out of being on this list, but I usually have 100% participation in this personal support system. Any student can email me at any time for any question they may have and I will always answer their questions even on weekends as this is a support I give to my students to keep them succesful in my class.
EDWARD,
Showing your students how to create study groups is a good way to show them support. Study groups are beneficial because the encourage each other and have a common goal of helping every member be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Encouraging students to form study groups from the beginning of the course will help develop accountability and strong study skills. From there will be birth a support system.
Jeanie,
I commend you for this effort as it creates for the students a support system that they can use while in school as well as after they graduate. Many students do not see the value of networking so they need to learn that many of the career opportunities that come along are shared through networking. Cohort groups become a learning community that supports each other, encourages success and helps when called upon. A learning community like this can make the difference between success or dropping out so the more help that can be provided in the creation a such a community the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Joulette,
I think you are doing a great service for your students by giving this global perspective in relation to the Allied Heath field and how their area of emphasis contributes to patient care. Having this perspective increases the value that their field represents and how they are going to be a part of a helping profession.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
