It is important to identify the student needs help. Meet with the student and the student service department to create dialog and find out what it is the student is in need of. Then with full support, including the instructor, make a plan and reassure the student they have all the support they need and they can be successful.
Let them know that you are able to meet with them during office hours to assist them in getting caught up on content. Let them know, that even though it is easy to put their college education on the back burner, that they wouldn't be here if the status quo was good enough.
On many occations we do not even know that it is an "outside issues" problem -- just that it appears that attention and interest changes. Some time down the time line you find out that it is dire family issues -- not just the lack of applying one's self -- but even though your understanding becomes far more agreeable and tolerant -- you still need the performance outcome from the student -- this is hard to achieve.
Try to be "personable" without getting "personal" and let them know you understand. However, it's hard not to play "favotites" with ceratin types of outside issues
It is imperative that the teacher recognize that the student has multiply issues outside of the classroom. These concerns can vary from simple to extremely complex. Whatever the problem it is essential that the teacher provide the student an avenue to seek solutions to his/her problems. In addition, it is necessary that the student remembers that the student is a person, just like the teacher.
At times the students want to just talk. However, if the discussion enters into an area that the teacher is not comfortable with then the teacher should refer the student to student services.
Hi Apryl,
It is the outside issues that will bring out about students dropping out of school. We must converse with our students to find out what's going on outside so that we can be proactive and not reactive.
Patricia
Hi Howard,
At my institution we get all personnel involved with students with outside issues. Retention is the responsibility of everyone.
Patricia
Student Services, your program director, or in your case the nite manager can all be helpful. Student issues do reflect on their grades and do need to be delt with.
Hi Heather,
I agree. We all have issues. At my institution, we have an employee student assistance program that have experts in various areas to help employees and students overcome challenges. This service is offered to students free of charge, and the institution pays for it. All information is confidential. It has proven to be extremely helpful.
Patricia
Everyone has outside issues. Even aas an instructor, you have outisde issues. Speak with the student to see if there is anything you can do to help. Refer them to someone that maybe able to help. In the long run it mught not solve the issue but it might help the student relax and not stress over it.
It's also important to keep them focused on the big picture. Too often students get caught up in the day-to-day issues, and forget why they are in school...for a better life!
student will be more likely to talk about their outside issues if you start by addressing a "small" issue like transportation....the key in to getting to school on time. Many times this topic will lead into why they are late, who they have to drive somewhere before school, etc....
this is quite a challenge. First it is important to identify these issues. Often students are relcuctant in communicating with instructors and administrators in regards to issues in the private sphere. It is personal, it can be a touchy problem.
I think that key is the relationship an instructor can create with the students. You don't need to become their friend, but showing respect, attention and guidance can help in reaching a certain opening where student might see the instructor as a trustworthy preson with whom he/she can share issues.
It can be important to be aware of studedent's who have outside issues. It can be as simple as listening to them. Referrals can help if they need support with food, financial aid, or counsoling. We function in a holistic manner. We may not be able to fix the entire problem, but support can help. It may help in the way we view them. Many student's carry alot of responsibilty.
