Training of Instructors as Advisors
I'm a little concerned that this unit under-emphasizes the need for training for the Faculty and Staff as it regards advising others. Many instructors in Career Colleges have had very little training in anything other than their core subject matter. Most instructors haven't taken ANY courses in educational theory, learning theory, personal growth theory, or any other kind of theory. We all do our best to help our students based upon our own knowledge and experiences, but not all faculty and staff are qualified in advising others on major life decisions.
Donna, I can certainly identify with what you are saying but I feel that every instructor does a small degree of advising, even though most institutions have advisors. In a sense, we are instructors and life coaches to some degree.
Hi Donna,
I concur! Do the best you can to help students, and if the problem is beyond your scope refer the student to an expert in the area. My institution has an SEAP; this is extremely helpful to deal with all types of problems.
Patricia Scales
