Creating personal support systems for students depends on the student needs. Human factor is important which can identify student needs and also encouraged self-motivation and reinforces learner independance.
Dayle Brian
Hi Celeste,
Support is so important to student success as you well know. By using the different methods that you are it gives the students options from which they can create a support system that will enable them to remain in school and be successful.
Gary
Some students have no one to turn to. In these instances, students may form support systems with other students (i.e. carpooling, study groups, etc). Others I encourage to use the support of their family members and friends.
The first week of the term I have students complete one of two projects. The first project I introduce is a vision board where students display their goals and motivation. Many times their support system is briefly introduced in this project. The other is having the student pack a brown bag lunch in which they take on the role a family member, or actually have a family member complete the assignment on the student's behalf. The student and/or family member would place items in a brown paper lunch bag that best describes the student. It is helpful for the student to understand why such items are packed. I encourage students to record their thoughts or have the family member record their thoughts on a napkin or paper towel that is packed with the lunch. I serves as an instant motivator and allows students to use it to reflect back as well for a boost of motivation from time to time.
Hi Alejandro,
You raise a very challenging question that requires a creative series of answers. I'm not sure how to answer your question with out some additional information. Since the students are from a distance they can't use their family or neighborhood supports so they are left to come up with their own support. I would first start with looking at the support that the school provides. It is sufficient or targeted enough? Are there areas lacking that the school could provide? Questions like this will help to identify areas of support that the school needs to expand into. The key is student engagement. They have to see themselves in the success picture of the school.
If you can supply some additional information I will be glad to share additional input with you as we work toward a solution for these students.
Gary
Dr. Meers,
Most of our students are from out of state and do not come with a strong support system. I have reviewed what other people have said and as a college we use a lot of the techniques other schools use. However, I feel like we are losing ground especially with students needs far out weighing support. What can a school do when the support of school and peers is not enough and family is non-existent or minimum?
Thank you-
Hi Kimberly,
Support systems are only as good as the ability to provide support. Your point is a good one in terms of helping students to verbalize exactly what those needs are and when they are needed. This way the members of the support team can see exactly how they can help.
Gary
When listening to students relay concerns about the lack of personal support systems, I try to examine my personal experiences and see if those will help the student get what they need. As a first-generation college student, my family was very supportive about my education but didn't always know what I needed. Often, I find that students have a hard time expressing what they need because they have a strong desire to be independent and have had to be so in the past. For example, if a student is having child care woes, I ask if they've talked to family and friends they trust to ask for help. Often, just asking for help is a huge first step!
I encourage student study groups. Something that seems to be fading. I create a list of student contacts, something as simple as email addresses or phone numbers if students offer them. I encourage them to develop groups not just to study but to connect in other ways. Who likes chocolate, who likes scary movies. It gives them an opportunity to see beyond the classroom and letter grades and see a more personal side. I create group projects and that cant be completed without the assistance of two other students. Students wind up supporting one another both in and outside the classroom which improves classroom participation.
I always tell my students to remind their families that they are here for themselves and for them, so utilize them, have them help them by quizzing them, practing their skills on them. I also use the buddy system in class by trying to pair them up with partners that live near each other or are willing to make study groups
I would find out a little about their family and friends to determine if there are supports outside of school. Make sure they have contact information for me and for other faculty/Globe staff for questions, and other support.
Hi T,
Thanks for sharing this strategy. I know it will be of benefit to other instructors. This method will help to gel the class together as they are learning that their fellow student is more that just a space heater sitting next to him or her.
Gary
I too uses a similar exercise called "My New Best Friend." I have students interview another student then they have to present this student - their new best friend - to the class and tell at least 3 positive things about their new best friend.
Student hate to stand before the class and talk about themself; they do not mind, however, speaking about someone else!
At the beginning of every quarter, I supply each student with a list of 20 questions. They are supposed to pick another student in the class and interview him or her. It seems to be a great exercise in learning how some of the students have things in common with one another. It also provides a sense of community since everyone has to participate.
Hi Stanley,
This is a great suggestion. If the students know they can count on you as a part of their support system this really helps with motivation and enthusiasm.
Gary
I think that you can start by letting the student know that you are available, and that you care that he, or she, is there. You make yourself available for tutoring and as a SME in the subject that you are teaching.
In my years in teaching, I have found that I, as a teacher, may spend as much time with many of the students as other people on staff. I have found that, as I build rapport with the student, there is increased trust, and the student sometimes will come to me for homework assignments. At this point, I could begin to help students with support systems.
In other word, maybe the best way to help students is to first become a part of their support system.
One of the things we do here is to encourge studnets to identify a mentor for themsleves from the people who are in their lives. THey choose someone they admire, respect and would like to emulate. Then they create a mentoring agreement. This states what the studnet would like the mentor to do in the event that the student begins to show signs of dropping out of school. THe program provides and addtional point of cantact for the instructor and another person who will support the student in attaining his or her career goals. Is anyone else using a mentoring program? What does it look like? Is it effective?
Pick teams within the class. Always diversify the teams so experienced students are connected with newer students.
Well a good support system for a student to have would be a study group within the course being taught. If the students could make friends within the class and remain close during the program enrolled, then the students would have created a personal support system. The student would also have a support system that knows and understands what the other is going through.
Tyson
Hi John,
This is a great approach in helping students to get settled into a new course. By getting to know other students early on in the course individual students can start to see how they are going to fit into the course and have success. This helps to get them feeling comfortable and realizing that they can have success.
Gary
