Get Your Students Hired
I may be stepping out on a limb here, but my view of customers service in an educational setting is to focus on the instructor. If I want to best serve my customer (the student), I believe I have a responsibility to treat them with due respect, be attuned to their needs as a learner, and build a positive relationship between us. Without that, I think I might lose my customer.
I believe that a customer is one who is purchasing a product or service; however some products or services need the customer to be a partner in the purchase. For example a doctor and patient relationship is a service customer relationship where both parties have to follow clues, directions, instructions from each other, and numerous chains of commands in order for the best possible outcome; education is the same. We can provide the student with the ability to gain all of the needed education and skills, but it the student (customer) is not involved or engaged actively the outcome will not be positive; similar to that of the patient that does not follow the doctor instruction, or the doctor that does not follow medical protocol.
Hi Cathleen,
I have heard this missing component from our students as well. We have to teach our students the importance of soft skills.
Patricia Scales
We discuss an agreement with the student in what they expect of the educational institution and what we expect of them. They are usually in full agreement and excited to begin their new steps in life.
Of course our students are our customers and must be treated with respect as well. What our (culinary) employers say is often missing from students in the work force are soft skills. Interacting and communicating well with supervisors, customers and co-workers are key in one's employment and retention success.
Hi Charles,
Students must put forth the effort to be successful! We act as vessel to our students to provide them with a solid education so that they can be successful.
Patricia Scales
Hi Christopher,
You are absolutely correct! Bottom line is that the instructor must provide the students with a solid education so that they can find gainful employment upon graduating.
Patricia Scales
customer service in education should be focused on giving a great service to the student. The student is at the institution to learn and be able to be ready for a future career in the field they are studying. At the end of the day is are you as an educator giving the student what they will need in their career.
Hi William,
I love it! We have to be our students biggest cheerleaders. We must cheer them on daily. Do we as instructors get tired? Of course, but we have to regain our energy level.
Patricia Scales
I agree with my colleagues who have said the student must also participate and extend an effort as well. I think applying customer service as discussed in this course means we must make sure we communicate expectations and show students how to succeed in our classes. I spend a lot of time in class asking questions to make sure students are comprehending what is being discussed.
In the buisness world, we are taught the customer has done his part the minute they walk through your door!At that point, the rest is up to you to meet the needs and expectations.Our students don't always understand what their own needs are, as well as how to get where they think they want to go. Many times we need to make clear to them the" WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME " before they will whole heartingly take part in their own education.It's called motivating the customer.
Hi Rusty Din,
In a business setting 100% customer service must be provided without compromising the rules and policies of the business and still achieve the end result.
Patricia Scales
Customer service in an educational setting is different in a business setting. The instructor must be able to deliver his/her 100% good customer service to the students in a way that it will not compromise the rules and regulations of the school and achieving the ultimate goal of the course.
Hi Ted,
A lot of our students do want to be spoonfed. As instructors we have to set them up for success, but we need to make sure they are learning/retaining the information, and most important of all, they can apply what they have learned.
Patricia Scales
Instructors must continually test the adult learner to determine if they may continue the course/program. They must learn the material, not expect to be "spoon-fed" the information.
Hi John,
I concur! Students are students. We have to lead our students in the right direction. They need guidance. They are not always right! They have to be taught!!
Patricia Scales
When Instructors start calling students customers then we start having issues. Are the customers always right ?? Customer service is important give the student what is needed to get a good job. A student only get what they put into it. I agree with Rocky that the end user of our product, that is industry, is truly our customer and that the student is a product that we shape and mold.
Hi DANIEL,
We have to serve our students and employers with impeccable customer service. We have to provide at a very high level for both students and employers. We must prepare our students so that they are quality employers; thus making a win-win situation for everyone.
Patricia Scales
The students are paying to come here which does make them a customer. The industry is also our customer we need to have students they are willing to hire and do well in the industry.When we do that both are happy.
Hi James,
students really do get out what they put in. We as educators need to push/motivate our students to be driven to get the most out of their education.
Patricia Scales