Hi Kevin,
Yes, if a problem is beyond our scope get help for the student. I like how you personally escort your student to the right department for assistance.
Patricia
One of the main tasks that we will or should perform as educators is to remove / or assist in removing any obstacles that may get in the way of a student learning. Try and identify what the obstacle / issue is, perhaps we have faced the same and can offer real world experience and if it is greater than what we can deal with at our level, lead the student, by hand if need be, the individual or department that can actually hrelp them.
Hi Nathan,
As much as we think we can do it all, in essence we can't. We must try our hardest to be the best that we can possibly be to prepare our students for the real world.
Patricia
I think it depends on the issue. First and foremost, listening goes a long way. Sometimes the students don't really have anyone to hear their issues. If it is something you can give a frank, common sense answer to, offer it. If it is beyond your scope, then maybe your Student Accounts councelors can provide assistance.
Patricia,
Great point! We should always keep the students engaged and help them develop a passion for learning and life.
Nathan
Hi Nathan,
Most of our students do need role models, and we must remember we have to be our students biggest cheerleader.
Patricia
Hi Joel,
I hear you! I go through the same thing. We hear about all sorts of issues. When it is beyond my scope, I try to see experts in the area so that I can maintain my focus and not get caught up into their issues.
Patricia
Great point! We can't do it all and have to remember that! I like the idea of staying focused on teaching, listening, and doing what we know how to do.
One of the challenges for me is maintaining focus on what I am trained and employed to do. My objective is to keep each and every student in my class on track towards graduation, and provide them with the knowledge, skills and tools to accomplish that objective. When outside issues arise - and I have had them range from the computer died to the student was arrested to the student was evicted from their home and more - I need to recognize that I can be a sympathetic ear and make suggestions to the degree possible regarding their class effort, but I am not a trained psychologist or financial advisor. I am the one who needs to be focused because that is the only way I can truly be of service to my students and their educational goals.
Great point! I think listening is really important. If we don't listen effectively, a student may just drop out of school because they may think we don't care about them. It may also help to give some success stories from your own life to help inspire them to never give up. Many of the students just need good role models to help inspire them to continue.
I feel it is very important to help students think about ways to resolve conflicts in thier lives. Students need to realize there will always be problems that arise in life. Coping skills are needed. If outside issues are interfering with the desire to continue their education, they need to be encouraged to think about and brainstorm all possibilities for resolutions. A student may not have the ability to look beyond the initial emotion of a situation. It is helpful to listen attentively, give referrals of where they may go for more speicific assistance and without telling them what to do, give them other considerations to think about before making their final decision.
Great point! I think listening is important. that can really help the students know that you care.
Hi Glenn,
Our students have a lot of issues. We must do all we can to help students resolve their issues so that they can focus on their school work.
Patricia
Hi Brooks,
Yes, you need to find a good balance between being personable, yet remaining professional. Our students really do need a lot of tender loving care (TLC).
Patricia
Hi Belinda,
I understand. It is like keeping your eyes on the prize. It is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Patricia
I find that reminding my entire class everyday of "The Big Picture" is helpful. Students with outside issues need this to keep them focused, and it helps other students stay motivated as well.
Hi Michael,
Our students do not take well to the pressures of life. The first thing they want to give up on is school. We must do all we can to teach them how to solve problems.
Patricia
Listen. Let them know that you want to see them succeed. Be personable, but remember to keep it professional, too.
I think your point is the best of the forum observations. The big picture is sometimes lost in the day to day smaller trials and tribulations. Keep in mind that how you handled similar situations is not how your students may address them.
Hi Lisa,
We must support our students. Our students begin school with an abundance of issues. Our students are not great problem solvers whenever it comes to life issues. All they know is how to run from the problem instead of finding a solution.
Patricia
