Student with outside issues.
How can we address students how have outside issues.
No matter what level I've taught (from 8th grade to Career College), there are always students with outside issues.
Honestly, it is hard to comprehend how some students manage to get through a class with everything they face at home.
On the first day of class, I let students know that I understand we all experience issues of one type or another at various times in our lives. My one expectation in this regard is that they let me know something is going on--they don't have to reveal every detail. They do need to contact me and let me know if they are going to miss class and I will forward what we discussed and the assignment for the day. I am glad to work with students who are trying to make a go of it.
Some may say that I'm too easy on them. However, I've found that if I'm not judgemental, if I do my part to help them take in and process the material, then they will do their best. My experience is that students who are dealing with challenging issues outside of school... well, they really would rather be at school. And when I respond to them with understanding and support, they almost always rise to the occasion.
Hi Patricia, it is very easy to say but it is not easy to put it on side. But as an instructor by keeping them busy in class by giving group discussion problems and activities. this way by knowing or unknowing way we can keep them busy in class and help them to divert their mind too.
It is true that usually we have at least 18 to 20 students in one class with all different ages. So obviously every single day, we will get at least one students with some problem(in their words- i had really bad day- personal problems). It should not effect the whole class as well as it should not even effect to that students either.I always call my students by their name. As soon as i found out the student with some problem- i make sure to ask them more question during my lecture, which will help them to divert their mind. it will help them to think about study then their problem.
i am teaching math, Statistics, Business math. For me it is not hard to involve students in class activities. Every steps, they need to pay attention.
Hi Ashia,
Just listening does a lot of good for most students. I have several students to say thank you for listening.
Patricia
I agree, being great listners to our students is always helful, it lets them know they always have an ear. We may not be able to solve the problems they are facing but sometimes our advice and referrals are enough to encourage them
You should be a good listener, and provide the student with any information pertaining to their specific situation.
A student with outside issues is less apt to follow and compete with other students because of their lack of focus. Listening to their problems is always helpful but not in front on the whole class.The students private problems is not the fault of the other students.
Hi Stacy,
You really cannot get caught up in the moment. Our students have all kinds of outside issues. Listen and move on.
Patricia
I've always been told not to get sucked into personal drama with my students, to keep a professional distance. I will listen if they have personal drama, but I don't give advice. I just help them find ways to keep on track with their assignments.
Hi Lauren,
Listening is key! Our students have all kind of outside issues. Give as much guidance/advice as possible, but know when the problem is beyond your scope and refer the student to appropriate professionals.
Patricia
Listening and being aware of student issues (that interfere with their education) help the student feel understood. This can be accomplished without giving special treatment or show favoritism simply by guiding the student in the right direction while allowing them to make their own decisions.
Hi John,
Great advice to students. Students must learn how to separate professional from personal. On the job, bringing your personal problems into the workplace is not good.
Patricia
I try to let them know that I do understand but point out that there will always be problems and they need to learn to put them aside while working or in this case while in school.
Hi Travis,
Always go with you gut feelings. There are some students who really try to play the system and us.
Patricia
I agree with this statement if it is something serious that they do not want others in the class to now about I refer them to the student services department of the school where there are trained professionals that can help them deal with their problems. This helps to free me up so that I can be a teacher instead of being a counselor. If I suspect that something is fishy about their issue I always get someone else involved.
I agree that listening is key but it is often hard to be drawn into the personal lives of students. I like to maintain the professional distance yet I still want to be accessible and I want my students to know that I am there to help.
Hi Laurel,
You are right, this is a big start. Just remember whenever things are beyond your scope, get others involved.
Patricia
This is one of the hardest problems I face. When a student comes on who had bruses and is not able to focus in class, it is a challenge. Showing respect, not calling attention to the problem, but BEING AVAILABLE, is a start.
Kathleen,
Nice post, I agree, we function in a holistic manner. In addition, we should not forget we are dealing with people with feelings, emotions, and life drama. WE have to be understanding but not overbearing.
Susan
