Student Support Systems
Hello, everyone. All of the reading for this beginning part of the course seemed very valuable. In particular, the "Support Systems" part caught my attention.
I teach strictly online and feel my school offers abundant support for online students. For that reason, I am convinced that the "internal support system" for our students is indeed in place. I found it interesting, and a bit unnerving, that some student's "external support" (friends and family) may be lacking or missing completely.
For years I have basically assumed that all of my students have family and/or friends helping them succeed in college (that’s likely based upon my own experience). As the reading suggests, having that support is easier for the student. NOT having that support, though, seems like a huge barrier for students to overcome! It makes me feel more compassionate towards my students and think more about how I can best facilitate their success.
Isn’t it great when courses like this make you think more about your students; how real-life affects their success; and how to best serve them?
Melonie
Claudia,
This is a challenge for both your school and your students. I admire the students in that they are enrolled in school. They are at least trying to create a future for themselves and their families. Unless there is a way to create some type of alternative scheduling for such students you are going to have to work within the requirements. I wish you success as you search for a way to keep these students engaged for the duration of their programs.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hello everyone. My reply is more like a comment and I hope you all can give me an insight on it. I work for a private technical school and I encounter a lot of situations where students have life events that prevent them from coming to school our attendance policy is very strict due to regulations for career schools; therefore we struggle with student retention believe me we do offer help we have referrals, we have a day care in school, sometimes from our metal scrap we buy gas cards, bus passes. It is sad to see them go due to no transportation no day care, no job, no money, and it is very hard to help everyone. Sometimes I think we should offer on-line courses for students to take their program at their convenience but unfortunately all of our programs consist of hands on training. so I really don't know what's best on-line courses or hands on referring to life events.
Hi Michelle,
I admire you greatly. You internal drive is to be commended. A suggestion I would make is to try and include your family as much as you can in by informing them of something you learned in class and how it can be used around the house. This way you are not "bragging" about going to school but sharing a part of your student life with your family. This way you are not asking anything of them but you are sharing a part of your life with them.
Gary
I have to admit that I am a student with a small external support system. My parents and employer are very supporting in my decision, but my husband feels it is a waste of time and money. I continue on knowing that I have to do this for myself and to set an example for my children that school does not end after graduation.
Not having the biggest support system is a down fall I feel that I am failing my family because of spending so much time on school, but I have a goal and I will not let go.
Michelle
Hi Melonie,
Stopping to think and reflect on why you are an instructor and what your students may be going through outside of class is important. Each of us could share numerous stories of how a student overcame a personal situation to be successful. The easiest thing to do is to fail. It doesn't take effort and you can always blame others. Those that are successful have a powerful urge to be successful and follow through by moving forward in their lives in spite of the circumstances.
Gary
