I think we can help our students identify their support systems by having them list their personal support systems at home and then show them the different support systems at the college correlate with their support system at home.
I let my students know that creating personal support systems works great in their educational goals. A personal support system does not only have to come in the form of a persoanl family member. It could be a friend, instructor, and even a fellow student since they are all going through the same things, educationally wise.
In identifying a personal support system is based on how you feel about that persona and also how that person preceives and motivates you. one can never have enough personal support cheering them on in support of their endeavors.
You can sit down with them one on one and make a list of support systems in their lives. If they have none, you can put your heads together in identifying resources in which they can acquire support. Always keeping a positive outlook helps. Offer them encouragement and also feedback.
I remember the support system there was for me and I am aware that a lot of the students do not have a family that understands the desire or goal of another person, so how can the student know what successful is? If we live the example, it will come through. Success comes with many facets, something for all, and we just have to be ready to see the success in a person. Sometimes it takes longer to find in some, but then no one is perfect, we can just strive to help and let them know they too can reach the goal or success they have set for themselves.
Students tend to get frustrated with issues outside the instructor's control. A good instructor should listen to their issue either duting break or after class so it doesn't interfere with the class. I normally listen and point them the right direction. I may also point them to some others students that have encountered similar issues. A good support system should be one that provides a solution to their needs. The important thing is to make sure they understand that the instructor is part of the solution and not part of the problem.
We have a peer mentoring program where we interview then match-up student with similar backgrounds and social situations. We also offer skill labs and one-on-one tutoring. We have found that if students are paired with someone who has "been there, done that" it makes it a bit easier for them to cope with the stress and frustrations of being in college.
Evelyn,
You make a number of very good points but your last sentence is the most powerful for us all to remember. We may be that one and only person that has their success in mind. We need to remind them often that we do in fact care about their future if they are willing to put forth the effort it takes to be successful.
Gary
At the beginning of the course it is important in any course to ask students to indicate who their support systems are. It will be a great opening discussion and ice breaker. Many students may have similar support systems or very different. The exchange in the classroom will allow students to seek stronger supports or maybe non-traditional ones. Knowledge is power and sharing is a positive experience for adult learners.
The question you ask is a two part question. First there is the outside support which is your family, spouse, children,(if they understand what you are doing) and friends. It is important to have the outside support, because it helps keep the balance of different areas in your life on track. If your home life is a mess, you can not study. If your work is behind, you can not think about school. If your bills are behind, you become frustrated. These items would leave you with no support system because of stress, frustration and worry. Remember, if you are married, your support is at home and if you are worried over things, then your spouse would also be worried. You can do a better job with smiles verses frowns.
The second part is very important also. Instructors play a large part of the support system with the ability to help on personal tutoring after class, or simply listening to the student when they need to vent about something. You can not be a babysitter, that is true, but sometimes an objective listener is helpful. We as instructors have more of the ability to be the role model a student needs to see, or be around. The goal of a student is the utmost important thing to that student. That is what we make them aware of, so our internal support system, from the administration, career services, and librarian, to the instructor is one that can not be ignored. We all have to help a student, whether they are 18-20 or 50 on up.
Sometimes we are the only people the student has in their life that cares.
For me communicaton is key. I interact with students on different levels other than in the classroom. Showing an interest in vacations, jobs, and family in a limited sense creates an additional encouraging and optimistic ally in their quest to further their education and career. I am honored to have them tell me that I didn't think I was going to make it, but you pushed me and wouldn't allow me to give up. That works wonders for their confidence!!!
A student's support system can be based on reliable family members or friends that are willing to support the educational goals of the student. The creation of personal support systems is generated by sharing the highs and lows of the educational day.
Well I work in a Career College setting, and from living in Miami, FL there are often communication barriers with students. One important factor that I have done is ensuring that each student feels an open level of communication from me. This allows the students open access to come to me with questions, and concerns. I guess its more of an open door policy. This cuts down on the classroom fear factor, as well as it allows students with barriers to still feel apart of the class as everyone else.
Tonya,
This is such a sad situation for parents. They are trying to better themselves and their families and yet they still get caught up in the system.
Gary
Interestingly, in more than one instance, I have found that not only do family members not always support the student's decision to further thier education, but our court system does not support it either. I have students that are unable to get full custody of thier children because quote "you cannot give the child the attention they need when you both work and try to attend school full time". And we are not talking about a program that would take 8-10 years like an M.D. but only 18-24 months! And the child is not a newborn; both instances the child is school age and the student did have family support to help w/ the child. This just floored me! I have many single parents that manage (granted w/ difficulties sometimes)to care for children, work and go to school.
I sometimes teach the strategies class to our first quarter students. In this class, our first assignment is to look for possible "rocks in the road" that they might encounter by attending college. This may include childcare issues, gas issues, work issues, and more. The students then discuss possible solutions to these problems in small groups. This helps the students plan ahead. It also allows them to see that many of their classmate's lives are similar to thier own.
Andrea ,
Open communication options like you have outlined are good because it helps to create a learning community for the students. This way they know they have support available as needed throughout the course.
Gary
At the begining of every new school start, I encourage students to get to know their fellow classmates and exchange e-mail and telephone numbers when they feel comfortable. This will provide them with the necessary back up to get the class material; should they have an unexpected emergency. I also explain the content of the class material and the preparation needed, not just within the classroom, but outside as well. I outline a study time line for each week so students can priortize their school work as well as personal responsibilities. My e-mail and telephone number is also available so students can get in touch with me at anytime.
Hi Kevin,
Good points concerning both sides of the support need. They need support but are they finding that support in the right setting. This is why instructors need to provide support in their own way so the students know that someone in authority is there for them should they need help.
Gary
Occasionally I have students that are not following the wishes of their parents and relying on student loans for financial support. They do not have much of a support system and are more prone to take time off, less motivated in class and less likely to succeed. If they can be focused into finding a support group through their peers will help. Although, the type of person their peer(s) are, will determine their influences as well. Its a slippery slope.
In several of our introductory classes we actually have them create success plans. One part is identifying several people that will help support them and motivate them in their schooling and their career. If they struggle with this a little we know ahead of time that we (the instructors/advisors) will probably be their biggest supporters and our support will be very important in maintaing their motivation and helping them be successful!
