Allowing students to develop thier own support systems will require some instructor intervention, I believe. Working closely with the student to identify the needs the student can then seek out and identify which support method works best to fit thier learning styles. I tend to ask students how they are doing rather than telling them how they are doing. Now the student is involved in his/her own assessment and can start to determine what assistance is required.
Hi Tom,
Good idea. Hope it works for you and your students. Sometimes these types of groups really help to motivate students as well as help them with social interaction with other students. This lets them really zero in on their interest area.
Gary
many Colleges have professional career affiliations and groups, or we can encourage the creation of a student group. I teach computer classes and am working oin trying to get together an advanced group to cover topics and projest type activities that the Col;lege is unable to facilitate as part ot the curriculum at this time.
Hi Louise,
You discussion of the support needs of students is very comprehensive. There are many different factors that come into play when students are going through a course. Anyone of those factors could lead a student to drop out. By knowing what these factors are and how you can help as an instructor you are able keep the student encouraged and supported as needed.
Gary
Every student is different, and first you must recognize the differences. For a younger student, they may still live with their parents. They may have a determination to show that they can handle everything by themselves, and therefore creating a support system may be challenging.
An older student may be married, have children or live alone. In those cases, they may be the usual support, and having them recognize that they need support can be a challenge.
In each case, having the students recognize those in their life who can help is a first step. Family and friends are already in place. The second step can be an institutional system of mentors -- pairing new students with those who have already completed 50% of the program.
I found that actually meeting with students to discuss their program is a significant way to help create a support system. By scheduling status reviews at periodic times in their program, you are able to quickly determine if a student is in need. Then you can guide the student to people who can help.
Perhaps the student is having financial difficulty which is affecting their studies? Maybe the Financial Aid Office knows of grants or scholarships that are available. If the need is immediate, for example, lack of food at home, Student Services may have contact with a local food bank.
Maybe a student is struggling with an ill child or parent? Student services or the Registrar can help with arranging a leave of absence. Perhaps the question is simply the student does not know what to do once they graduate. Someone in career services can speak with them, advise them of options and even alternate careers where their degree can be utilized.
Hi Jennifer,
This is a great strategy. This way the students get to develop their social and career interaction skills which will make their more able to adapt to their work setting.
Gary
I hear what you are saying and I agree to a point. We do however have to stand our ground and lead by example to self reliance by ourselves being self reliant. Relaying our life experiances as related to the subject matter is the best way to demonstrate that self reliance and a unwavering expectation of high standards goes a long way to break the students of the bad habit of feeling that they are entitled
In one of the classes I teach, the first graded assignment is a group project with another student. I pair up the students randomly so the chances they don't already know each other is higher.
I believe building a strong sense of social capital in the classroom is key to creating personal support systems. Creating a strong social network comprised of students who trust and assist each other can be used as a powerful method to reduce classroom anxiety. I give students multiple opportunities at the start of the term to get to know each other and develop social capital. I have learned that students gain more confidence in their skills if they believe their peers want them to succeed.
As students watch themselves and their peers grow as a “community” of learners, the social network as a whole will experience mutually productive benefits; a greater understanding of course content.
Hi Carrie,
You are right on target with your efforts to help students develop their own support systems. If they can do this their success will be much higher as a result of them knowing how to cope with issues as they surface.
Gary
I can help students identify and create personal support systems by knowing the different support systems my students may need. Some of the different support systems I create in my classes are peer support, my support, and the schools support. I try to get my students to get to know their classmates to create the opportunity for peer support. I always offer my guidance and support, plus I present and encourage all the school has to offer to get involved and help. The school has wonderful tutoring and student groups for the students to get involved in.
I think it is very important for all students to have personal support systems while in school, since it can be a time of greatness and frustration. I will usually just come right out and discuss it on the first day of class, making sure that students have support systems in place and if they don't, to reach out in the community or to speak with me, if they feel comfortable. I encourage them to form bonds with their co-students to form study groups; this is a great support system, as well!!
Hi Todd,
This is a great way of forming student learning groups since it is done by the students after you have provided them with introductions through ice-breakers. I am sure these groups are strong and solid as a result of this format.
Gary
I have some success by doing ice-breaker activities to introduce everyone in the class, then over the next few meetings putting them in small groups. They generally find other students who can help with either forming study groups, as tutors, or as research partners.
Each student writes a paragraph or two about themselves and what their asperations are for their education. Then each share that information in class.
I explain what help is available at our college, if they need it. I also give them access to me when they need help.
I encourage them to ask questions as well as try to discover the answers for themselves.
Hi Fortuna,
I believe you are offering a very valuable service to your students when you suggest they create a support system for themselves. Many of them don't know what such a system is nor how to set one up. By you showing them how to create such a system their success rate is going to be higher and satisfaction greater.
Gary
I ask students at the beginning of the course to create support systems among their family members to help them study . I encourage them to ask family to "quiz" them on the material. I f this is not possible, I also suggest they get together with other students that may live near them to study and share ideas for projects.
I believe that I can help students identify and create personal support systems by having a in class group discussion on what they are and how to create them. Then I can spend time individually with them to hammer out the details to make sure that they have everything in line.
Adult learners may have support from family, but also may be defying their family history by returning to school. People in their career fields will share many classes and experiences with them. Student groups can link the experienced with the inexperienced, providing peer guidance on courses, books, instructors and expectations.
Hi Linda,
This is a great way to start a new class. By having the students list the things that might keep them from coming to class or being successful they know you are aware of what they are going through. Then by having them list ways to overcome those situations you and other classmates are giving them ideas for how they can overcome those barriers and be successful. This should be very valuable information for those students that are uncertain about how they can make it through the course.
Gary
Hi Jan,
This is a great way to develop rapport with students as well as providing them support. This also helps you with keeping your finger on the pulse of the class based upon the feedback you receive.
Gary
