At the beginning of the term, I have all of my students write an Academic Autobiography. When reading these, I have found that students are very open and honest. Through these writings, I have been able to link students who have similar experiences, without divulging personal information. I have also found that there are many students who have lost loved ones and struggle with going to school. Some have even enrolled in school to have something to focus on after losing a loved one. For these students, we created a Learning While Grieving support group which has linked a dozen or so students and has had a very positive effect on retention. We match new and struggling students with upperclassmen that have experienced similar obstacles.
Hi Craig,
I like this model. This makes it real for students so they can see the results of hard work in their own network of family and friends.
Gary
Identify any family, relative, or close friend who has had success in whatever it is that they do. Ask them questions like how did you get to where you are? Where do you find your motivation? Surround yourself with possitive energy.
One the first day of class, I have students introduce themselves to each other and get other students name and phone numbers for study groups. Students need to already have thier admission rep, and student service rep as part of thier support system. As an instructor it is my job to be part of that support system for as long as long as they are in my class and within the school inself. I tell students that they are able to come to me for help in other classes or just to talk through out thier time at our college. (Some students even continue after graduation.)
Having supportive family.
In my class room, I encourage group work and study groups outside of the classroom. I team them up and make them compare class notes to show them how they can learn from each other. Most students cannot possibly write down everything said in lecture, but their group members may have caught information they missed. Also, I have them make personal motivational presentations. Each one of the students is in the classroom for a reason and if they share their reasons with the class, it seems to keep the students on track and motivated. It brings a little personal support from home to the classroom each day.
Yes, I need to continue working on eleminating stress on the student, yet keep them focused.
First of all it is important to learn a bit about the student. Once you have identified potential problems they may encounter you may then direct them to the proper support systems offered by you or the school.
Hi Niles,
This is a good idea. Sometimes in the rush of everything students forget they have people who are there for them. By reminding them you can reduce some of their anxiety and help them to focus on the course.
Gary
Hi Edwardo,
Good way to target your instruction. By knowing their learning preferences you can customize your delivery and increase student engagement.
Gary
Some tend to forget that their family is there for them. I actually go over this at the beginning of any new term. I discuss the support system via the school, families and even co workers and their own children. Just reminding them helps.
By, Edwardo Mojena
I let them take a assessment learning style test so we as a professor and student can understand what is the best way it is for each other to learn and Teach the students. So then they can get a better understanding which is the right way for them to succeed and retain when it comes to studying.
Hi Ricky,
Encouragement is so important and you are right about how early on in the course it is easy to see those students that need it. We need to work hard on earning their respect so when we talk to them about their attendance or assignments they will be responsive to our conversation.
Gary
Once the second assignment is due, it becomes evident which students are going to be: absent or not turn in their work on time. With these students, I can talk with them to stress the importance of meeting deadlines and how I can work with them to help them develop timelines to complete their assignments. This will be done of course in private so not to embarrass anyone.
Ways in which an instructor can help students identify and create personal support systems is to address certain issues along with optional solutions, as well as other important points. For example, ways to prepare for class, how to take good notes, how to study for quizzes and tests as well as suggestions on who would be compatible to do these things with and why. Address important points and create a solution if possible, if needed.
Hi Jacqueline,
I have used this assignment strategy as well with very good results. It is good to hear about the success you have experienced with your students as well.
Gary
Hi Asma,
Good way to provide student support even in an online situation. The key is getting to know the students and creating a trusting relationship with them. It is when this is in place you can offer assistance that will keep them making progress in the course and their career goals.
Gary
I like to pair older and younger students together. This allows the younger student to feel that someone with some experience is sharing with them and allows the older student to feel valued. Regardless of what their external support system is, this allows them to begin to develop an internal support system amongst themselves as well as with the instructors.
In online learning, students come from diverse backgrounds and they want to enhance their careers through an educational system which could help them to grow more. These students are mostly adults who wants to apply their experience and learn something so it could help them in growing further in their professions. These students can face many issues in online education such as they can feel ignored, problems with the jobs and issues with families which can affect their performance. As instructor, I will try to identify the problems by paying attention to each one of them and I will ask if they have any issues, they can let me know. There are many groups in online education systems where I can refer them to get support and so there performance will not be affected.
Hi Cyndy,
Good observations about how support systems are set up and used. You are right about the differences between the different ages of students. You have some very good advice contained in this forum and I encourage you to continue sharing it with your students. You are right all we have at the end is family so we need to treat each other with respect and help each other when help is needed.
Gary
