How to deal with personal issues of students?
How do you handle situations where students are asking for advice concerning their personal situations?
There is a student I have had three times in different classes. Each quarter there is always the same underlying problem of VA assistance and then a new different problem; three quarters, three problems. I find that for me I have begun almost ignoring it. I just say, "OK. Just make sure your assignments are turned in on time." They aren't turned in on time, and at the end of the quarter he swears that he e-mailed them to me, but lost the files since then. He has access to his grades online, but doesn't look at them and sees it as a waste of time. Some people you cannot change.
Hi Michelle,
At 41 years of age one should know better than to take personal into the work place, but it amazes me what our adult students do not know. We have to help them along the way in almost every area.
Patricia Scales
It all depends on the situation. If its fiancical having enough money for transportation, I send to student services. If the senario is going throudh a divorce and it has an impact of discussing this personel issue at the clinical site, I step in and inform the student no place to discuss. This same person is a repeat offender on the same issue and was fired from a clinical site. It's a challegne to tell a 41 year old not to disuss your divorce at a clinical site. this has been addressed with her more than one occasion.
For me, this is challenging. I walk that line very carefully. If it's inhibiting their educational track then I will talk but if it is strictly personal, that is not my area of expertise. But I always allow the student to come talk to me. Sometimes just having an ear to listen makes all the difference.
Our company has a Student Assistant Program. I am still up in the air about whether it is effect for the students or not, but it does give them one more option and I realize that I am not trained to handle a majority of the student issues when it comes to them just needing therapy. I am a sounding board and open ears, but I try not to give out advice on how to fix their personal lives.
Hi Glenn,
I direct them to our Student Asssitance Program so that they can get help from an expert. A lot of their problems are beyond our scope to resolve.
Patricia Scales
