Students' Personal Issues
I am curious how people help students who are affected by the recession and, as such, have to work multiple jobs, thereby becoming unable to fulfill their requirements for the class. I have offered plenty of encouragement, extensions, and, in some cases, help. However, sometimes students fall so behind that they drop out. What can I do to prevent this from happening?
Julia,
Right you are. Knowing they have a place they can go for support and to meet basic needs helps students to stay focused on their studies. Also, knowing they have an instructor that knows about support agencies gives them a sense of security in relation to the instructor and his/her caring attitude.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Because of previous volunteer work, I am sometimes able to direct students to an agency that could provide temporary assistance. Often just the idea that help might be available seems to spur the students on to find their own solutions.
Hi John,
I think the sharing of your own experiences helps to show the struggling student that you to had to work hard, carry a heavy load, and participate in the family while going to school. Sometimes I think they think that their instructors never had to study or work hard to get to where they are at today. This is when they need to have a lesson in "real life".
Gary
Once in a while I see a student who has a "won't" attitude instead of a "can't" attitude. Like they deserve to pass and graduate just because of everything they have to go through to do it all; working two jobs, raising kids, etc. While I admire their courage in taking on such a role, there still has to be a commitment to priority, balance and quality in each part of their active life and I try also to encourage that with personal experiences of my own having the same challenges when I was in college.
Hi Siobhan,
You are a perfect example to be used with the students that whine about how hard school is and that you don't understand what they are going through. You do understand because you have been there just as they are now. By letting them know that you will be helping them to understand why you have the expectations you do for them. Also, you can be very supportive to your students by listening and encouraging them. Move the "can't" to "can" and you will be serving as a model for the students.
Gary
I must admit, this is always one of my downfalls. Showing empathy to students who are going to school and working at the same time... Due to the fact that I worked two jobs and paid for my schooling myself, I tend to be a bit jaded when it comes those with a "can't" attitude. I come from the school of "pull yourself up by your boot straps" and DO IT. I need help in learning how to sympathize with those students in need.
Hi Maria, I don't think you will ever be able to do enough for every student. I feel the important this is to be as helpful as possible without enabling the student to give less than is expected. It is important to let students know you are willing to help but you can't do the work for them or give one more liniency than what you give other students
I feel is a good way to set example by experience and good practice
Hi Brandi,
Thanks for sharing this example of how students that really want their education can find a way to continue it in spite of tough times. These students are going to successful once they graduate because they can "taste" the success of their career and will work hard to achieve that success.
Gary
We have had several students that have had their education affected by the economy. I've found that the students who are serious about their education will find a way to complete their classwork and adjust their work schedule to find a way to complete their education. Sometimes this means a day student will transfer to night classes or vice-versa. The point is THEY find a way to finish. Those students that are here because a parent or spouse is forcing them to come to school do not seem to care if they have to drop out. We do our best to work with all the students who have been affected by the economy. However, we still expect them to take the responsibility of getting the work done on time (even with extensions). The bottom line is, if a student truly wants it, they will find a way to finish, even if it takes them a little longer than expected.
Hi Hillary,
Those students that don't use the lab time wisely or don't see the value of self management are always a struggle. I try to give them short segments of their assignments so they will be able to complete them and then move to something else. By using this method they complete a lot of work but in segments rather than they having to organize and sequence the work themselves.
Gary
I also try to emphasize the value of inclass participation and the lab time we have to complete the projects. I try to emphasize that this is "their" time, built-in time management that will decrease their stress and allow them to focus on their other work and priorities outside of my class. Some students use the class time to complete their home work but other students still don't see the potential win-win benefits.
Hi Brook,
Well said. Personal issues and problems are the reasons nine out of ten jobs are lost. The students need to learn how to cope with the different individuals they are going to encounter as well as govern themselves in the work place.
Gary
I also apply this to how personal issues affect student performance. I can empathize with problems but making too many allowances is doing the students a disservice. In the job market when you have an employee with constant personal issues, eventually you find a new employee who is more reliable. Thus it is important for students to learn how to handle the difficulties of life ALONG with school and not use them as excuses for poor performance.
Hi David,
That is why they are enrolled in a career college. To take care of #1 by developing a set of skills that will be valuable to someone. They need to revisit the WIIFM model so they know what they are getting back from the effort they are putting in.
Gary
I agree whole heartedly in fact I tell my students about the same thing. I ask them who number 1 is and it better be them and who is the one to take care of #1? If you don't take care of #1 who will? We have to learn to take care of ourselves and know what we want.
Hi David,
Thank you for sharing your own story. You are an example of someone that knew what he wanted and was willing to work at getting it. Many students today do not want to invest the time or effort to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. There is a saying I use a lot with my students. "If it is meant to be it is up to me."
Gary
I think the easiest answer to this question is using myself as an example. when I went back to school I was forty and working two jobs. If I can do that then everyone in my class can do that and I am here to help make sure you get through the course. I explain the change in priorities that are necessary to complete such a task. believe in yourself and anything is possible.
I agree that using your class time wisely and eliminating possible class work outside the learning center can be a huge relief to the student.
