Following a plan for the semester or quarter in each course the student is enrolled in is very helpful. As an instructor, I like to lay out the calendar pretty specifically. Granted there is always room to change plans, but due dates for assignments and proposed exam dates are on the calendar. The students appreciate knowing the dates ahead of time and what is expected, and can plan "life" around it.
I also try to give study hints. I teach pretty technical material in some courses, including normal values for blood and urine tests. Students do better on exams if they learn to separate out the times they study these technical portions. Taking mental breaks, not studying more that 20-30 minutes without a break. Studying several days for short times rather than just before the exam. They also need to hear that studying during the time of day when they are most receptive is crucial to retaining the material. This may involve making notes or note cards that are easy to carry with them. The students that take the time to make the notes or note cards usually do better. I often hear from them that they take their note cards to their child's dentist or doctor appointment because there is always wait-time. Or, they study when they ride the bus, or at a red light in traffic. I encourage them to include their family in their studying if they can. A 7 year old helping Mom or Dad with their studying for an exam is a great way to get the family vested in this important endeavor. These may seem like logical things to do for some folks, but many students need to hear from their instructor.
I have many non-traditional students in the courses I teach. I try to not stress them out the first couple of weeks and let them get settled in. This does not mean I don't have exams or work due in those couple of weeks, I just try to work in a "simple to more complex" mode. Also, I allow more time in the class periods for questions those first couple of weeks.
Hi Lisa,
Good advice for working with all students, but especially non-traditional students. By letting them know you have been where they have been and that you are there to support their success goes a long way in helping them get settled in to the class.
Gary
I always restate some of the information that the student included in his/her email to let the student know that I read the email. This helps to make the email more personal. They tend to feel good about that. I offer help and also tell them the different resources that are available to help them. I let them know that I am available to assist them. I respond to my student's email the same day. I like for them to know that I am here for them.
I also like to suggest to my students to network with other classmates. Developing a network of peers can help to eliminate stress as well. You could set up study groups. Sometimes it is just beneficial to have other students that you can talk to. They can provide support to keep you from giving up.
Lisa
I would start by asking them what they are afraid of. Then, I would share my experiences with them as well. I would like them know that it is normal to fear the unknown. I would just try to share with them how I overcame my fear and anxiety about college. Normally it helps when students see that you care about what they are going through.
Hi Wendy,
There is nothing like support and encouragement from an authority figure to help with the development of self esteem for students. By helping them to succeed you are providing both.
Gary
I find it is helpful to explain that feeling comfortable with trying and perhaps failing is part of the learning process. Trying and especially, trying something new, takes risk of failing, but the risk can also lead to succeeding. I try to encourage students to believe in themselves and concentrate on what they know and what they need to learn. By focusing the attention on the student as an individual learning, I see their fear lesson with support.
Hi Tim,
You are right about this story qualify as a student success story. Wow, she went on to really show her abilities as a leader and a life long learner. I love hearing stories like this because they inspire all of us to work even harder as educators.
Gary
When I was teaching Photoshop a few years back, I had an adult student who was returning to school in her 50s. She was not computer savvy and was very inhibited with the software. I asked her if she had a personal voice recorder (which she did) and suggested that she record my lectures for future reference. That, along with extra tutoring really did the trick and she ended up passing the class with an A. She later went on to work as a student adviser at our school (and later even taught intro to computers to boot!) I'd say that qualifies as a student success story!
Being organized during first day of class by explaining the rules of the classroom, a detailed syllabus,setting times for extra help if the students feel there is a need, and to be approachable. Be positive!!
The greatest resource we as instructors can provide our students is to provide guidance in solving their problems. In addition to learning the necessary information to complete their education goals, this is also a time to learn skills to deal with life situations. I often remind students that their education is just like a job and should be treated as such. In general most students in my classes are already working - which often becomes an excuse for not completing assignments on time. My general response is to assist them with developing time management skills and prioritizing tasks/responsibilities. In my response, I express my understanding and make suggestions while enforcing the rules of my class in regards to attendance and assignments.
Being a great encourager always helps in these situations. When the instructor is able to relate and offer moral support, this will allow students to overcome fear of not being successful in their college work.
New students in particular, have fears about starting college. I sometimes teach beginning classes and find that with these students it is extremely important to put their mind at ease in the first class. I give them a clear picture of how the objectives of the class will be accomplished and explain to them that each procedure will be demonstrated in small increments with my individual feedback every step of the way. Creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions also goes a long way in alleviating their fears.
New students in particular, have fears about starting college. I sometimes teach beginning classes and find that with these students it is extremely important to put their mind at ease in the first class. I give them a clear picture of how the objectives of the class will be accomplished and explain to them that each procedure will be demonstrated in small increments with my individual feedback every step of the way. Creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions also goes a long way in alleviating their fears.
Hi Antoinette,
Good points about what it takes to be successful in college. By providing support to these students you are showing them that you care about them and their success. With their effort and your support they will be successful and they need to grasp this early in their college careers or they will not make it through to graduation.
Gary
Hi Amy,
Good point about the need for hard work if one is going to be successful. Sometimes I think the students think we instructors were just born with our skills and knowledge of the field. By letting them know how hard we worked to get where we are they can appreciate that what they are going through is worth it.
Gary
I believe that being successful in college is a mixture of many different things such as: family support, instructor support, and self-support. If all 3 of things are implemented in a positive manner, the student will have the support system that the need in order to complete their coursework.
Family support is important because students need to know that they can discuss their successes and failures with their family knowing that they will help them to figure out the issue. Instructor support is essential because students want to be sure that they can go to their instructor when they have issues with the course work or if there is a personal issue that is preventing them from completing the coursework. Self-support is important because the student has to believe in themselves in order for them to achieve their career goals. They have to have the drive that is needed in order to go through their classes in preparation for graduation.
I find understanding why the student is in the career college gives me insite into how the student will learn. Young adults are in college more for the social experience. Their parents or families push them in to school but they themseleves are not motivated to learn.
I completely agree with getting to know the students. If I know what their situation is I can help them overcome some of the issues that they face on a daily basis. I also remind them that I was once in their shoes, that I was not blessed with my skills as an infant. It takes time and practice.
The first week, I ask everyone about their experience and past classes. Then I have a good idea how to teach them and what needs to be reviewed. I encourage them in their goals and assure them they can do well in my class if they attend, follow my instructions for each assignment, and review their own work using a grading criteria.
