Motivating Students with Personal Issues
Throughout the years I have been teaching I have had to deal with many students that were faced with challenges. There has been times when I have worked with students that have lost their jobs, loved ones, homes, and students that have been diagnosed with severe medical conditions. During these challenging times I have learned to apply these best practices.
1) Imagine that I was in their position (this helps me put things in to perspective)
2) Reach out to the student to provide extra support
3) Work with administrative staff on the behalf of the student
4) Increased my availability for the student
5) Offer suppoort by listening
6) Search for ways to motivate the student to push them to the finish line
I too, have experience in helping students with personal issues. I have found great success in all of your suggestions. One thing that has worked for my students and I lately relates to #3: Work with administrative staff on the behalf of the student. On several occasions, I have had students in danger of failing (due to attendance) or considering withdrawing from a course due to personal challenges. Since I establish a trusting relationship with students early on, they are willing to admit their personal challenges honestly. These admissions are really almost a cry for help- they trust me enough to give them advice or help solve their problem of staying in school. Before going to my administration, I listen to the student and discuss what they think they need to stay in school or complete the course. After the discussion, I then seek the assistance of my administration to utilize a solution/plan to ensure the success of my students.
Eric you for sure bring up very excellent points. I also deal with a large number of students from varying ages, where some are even older than me. Point number 5 is key for if we do not listen we do not know what external issue beyond our control is preventing the student from being motivated.
Not long I had two students that were about to give up towards the end. One had his father passed away. Had a talk with him and told him to think about what his father would have wanted for him. I also related well with him since I also had my father passed away during my senior year in High School. The other student just did not do well with math. I teach IT and she had a test that require a good amount of math. She got so frustrated she started to walk out of class. I spoke to her in the hallway. I just talked to her letting her know that she can do this test and just reminded her the math basics she needed to work the problem. She went back in and took the test and got the highest score.
We all need motivation including are selves and best we can do is provide some and do not be surprise is some is return back by a simple thanks that you are an excellent instructor.
You are so correct, Erick. I especially liked point #5. I have been very surprised that so many students don't have safe, non-judgmental folks they can speak to about concerns. I truly attempt to make myself available and engage with my students and to just be in the moment.
Erick, well stated and some great suggestions for other instructors to consider. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
It is amazing as this is exactly how I handle not just my students, but family and friends as well. By putting myself in someone elses shoes or even taking the time to listen to their problems it helps me to complain less and realize that my problems are minor. It also allows me the opportunity to assist others with their issues.
I agree with you totally. I have used some of the practices you have listed above and they worked wonders.
