I always try to build community among students in the course so that they have a growing network of people with similar interests and goals. I do this by encouraging them to exchange information with each other, form study groups,etc. I can assist them in my particular course, but try to help them build the skills to form their own support systems once they’ve left my course.
Hi Marcos,
Good idea in helping to set the fears of students at ease by telling them about plan B, just in case something comes up. They know you are looking out for them and their college success.
Gary
I have been an online student for the last 3 years and in my time as an online student I have overcome obstacles that a traditionally educated Instructor has never faced. Now as an online Instructor this gives me the ability and knowledge to help my students get thru those obstacles easier than when I went thru them. For example an online student should have a plan on what to do if the power or internet goes out. There is nothing worse than working on an assignment all day and then the internet goes out right before is due and not being able to meet the deadline. As an Instructor I plan to help them come up with alternate ways to submitting their assignments like utilizing establishments that provide Wi-Fi, internet café, and/or business centers. Knowing their location and hours of operation before they are needed will help the students make their deadlines.
I think time management is one of the biggest problems my students deal with. Mostly because of the generally young age of the student population. I put great effort in to get students established with a workable program tailored to their time and understanding needs.
Hi Barry,
I think you have done a great job of understanding how networking and reaching out to others can be of benefit to you. People do like to share and as result of sharing a connection is made that can long term and of benefit to all parties.
Gary
It is really important to let hem know that you are there for them whenever they need extra help. I always let my students know the days and time outside class when they can actually see me for those issues.
Because I am an only child to older parents, grew up on a farm and had not neighbors, and have almost always depended on myself for strength -- I don't know how to depend on other people. I do find the internet, journal repositories, online libraries and contacting authors very helpful. I have found that if you are documented, polite and professional almost any author will take the time to help you and to often times offer you references which they may not have published with their material but still find relevant.
First emphasize the importance of having their support systems and the people and or habits that can hrlp the be successful.
Hi Jennifer,
I commend you for your management of this type of student behavior. By doing what you are doing you are keeping the class moving forward and having the venting students see how their situation can be improved if they will step back and look at the big picture. They are in school to improve their lives and by seeing how the personalities and behaviors impact the workplace they are developing coping skills that will be very valuable to them.
Gary
Many of my students are already in the work force. Sometimes they vent about their bosses in a class discussion. I take 2 step approach - I ask them to put themselves in their bosses position and tell me what they would do. many see how difficult it can be to manage people. Then I ask them to recall an experience with a good boss and perhaps contact them for support.
Hi Audie,
Good support system. It is progressive and tailored to the individual needs of the students. This way they can continue to progress in the course with just the right amount of support when needed.
Gary
First i try do find out what their learning style is.I have a one on one with the student to help me determine that style. As we all know no 2 brians work the same. Then i try to give the tools that i feel are what they need to assist them in the areas they struggle with. Extra exercises with a paper trail that they can see the results from.If they have questions at that point I work with them to help them get better with the material that they ask for the help.
Hi Anthony,
You make a number of good points but one that I want to comment on is the networking one. This is so valuable for our entire lives. As you say most of us have our jobs as a result of our network. Students need to have some coaching on how important a good network is and how to expand that network as they progress through their careers.
Gary
Hi Jeff,
Good comments about support for students. Your last sentence raises a sad question. Everyone should have someone in the family they can lean on when times are tough and they need support. For many of our students that support is not there. This is so sad because family is something that should be in the lives of us all. When I have students that don't have any family support I work extra hard in trying to be supportive and also find them the resources they need to keep their personal life in balance with being a student.
Gary
Hi Juan,
From your post comments I can tell you have extensive experience in working with students that come to class with diverse backgrounds. By using your expertise you are able to "read" the students and provide them support or make a referral that will help them find the support they need. This is a critical part of being an instructor and you are doing it well.
Gary
To Identify the students just pay attention to who is helping with group work, its the person who is not working with a crew to get the task performed.this is the one who is struggling and need assistance, the trick is to get him participating with me and then point out that he can perform the task with others. Some times you just need to show a example of a task being done.
I encourage my studnets to become friends with their peers and use them as junior facilitators. Often they have similar interest because of their mutal field of study and they may be able to help each other understand the materials in ways I can not, because of their own personal experiences. I also remind them of the importance of networking and relay some of my personal experiences about how I found out about jobs in my field from the friends I made in college.
I think students need to first look at their family - brothers, sisters, parents - for support in their educational endeavors. Then the should look at their friends, especially their college friends. And they shouldn't forget to look inside themselves. Believing in yourself can give you a lot of personal support.
The discussion boards in my online classes offer a good support system. Students usually become quite adept at commenting on others' posts, and they learn to realize that others will comment on their own ideas in a supportive, friendly way. This helps many of the nontraditional students feel like they are qualified to be in the class and shows them that they can talk about their life experiences in a way that will help others.
Discussion boards also give me the opportunity to step in and offer encouragement if a student seems discouraged or overwhelmed.
In reply to struggling students, I agree with the student surrounding themselves with someone with the same interest and to start building a strong support system. Most people don't find help with family members or friends because the family and friends can't understand what the student is going through or understand the material enough to help. I don't think it's because of lack of interest.
