Managing Learner Behaviors - 2
I would try to get the student to take "little steps" in an effort to build confidence. Depending on the context of the discussion and even the course, I would try to get the student to post something that I know that he or she already understands. In this way, the student then feels that they made a positive contribution to the community. In addition, I would also try to have a private conversation with the learner; reassuring him/her that I will be there for support and mentor-ship throughout the course. I would want the student to know that he or she is not along. We are a team and together, we can get you to learn the material and succeed in the course.
Consider the following posts to the discussion:
Learner 1 post to Learner 2: "I feel that this course is very difficult, and I just don't get the concept. I am trying, but I can't see me passing and I am not good at failure."
Learner 1 post to Learner 3: "I wish that I had the ideas running through my head that you do. Great post."
Learner 1 post to Learner 4: "I read your post and I am afraid that I have gotten overwellmed. I am just hoping to get through this class. I came from another program and I am really feeling that I made a mistake. I hope not, I really want to complete this program. That is my dream for many years.â€
Based on the discussion posts of Learner 1 to other learners in the discussion forum, describe how you will handle this situation. What strategies will you use to support this learner?
Hi Kimberly, I think calling the learning to try to determine a plan for improvement is a great idea! It can also help the learner understand that you are there to support him/her. Tina
Based on what learner 1 posted, I would first reach out to the student via e-mail and stress that their success is important to me. Next I would review previous assignments submitted and comment on what concepts they have already mastered. Also I would ask questions to see if I can find ways that I could better support them in the classroom. If needed I would call the student to further improve their learning experience in my class.
Thank you Tina.
When I teach I teach with passion and promise. I do not want to disappoint students because I was once a student and wanted instructors to be professional and punctual for me. I want to hold that same promise instructors had for me in which I have for my students.
These are great motivating comments Lee! Tina
Greetings learner one!
Everyone from time to time gets overwhelmed with schoolwork. You made the right decision if you have the passion from your posting on applying for this degree as a dream for many years. There is a wealth of information found at the University library. If you have any questions or comments to please drop me an e-mail at any time. You can do it!
Lee Demuth
I would listen to the student and observe strategies on asking right questions, listening, verbal cues, body language, voice tone and quality, and communication style. I would instruct the student on the following strategies for success as projecting my presence more so for this student. I would view this student on various projects. I would also want to energize the overwhelmed student toward full completion and success for this course. I would consider my presence in the course room and interactive teaching strategy methods on authority, presence, and relationship with the overwhelmed learner to be critical. I would also lend the overwhelmed student learner ideas on synchronous, asynchronous, and helpful quality feedback for the course. I want the student to leave this conversation with me on a positive I can do approach!
On a side note I would indicate to the overwhelmed student on any experiences of strategies on keeping course records, communicating with students, dealing with undesirable behavior in the course, resolving student conflicts, and minimizing student attrition with the overwhelmed student.
I would reinforce that this is difficult material for many. Should you need additional help, there are several sources. The various tools the school provides for this topic, including support videos, technical s/w support and tutorials, tutoring. You can send me questions any time. Should you still feel there is not enough material, try google and youtube.
Hi Brian, that is awesome that you have online advocates. I agree with you. Distance learning is not for everyone! Tina
What I have been instructed to do is to e-mail the student to ask if there are any specific questions about the class, as well as e-mail the online advocate to alert them to the situation. Hopefully, there is something simple that can be easily remedied, but if not, hopefully it is something that face to face contact with the online advocate can handle. I understand that some students just don't understand some of the concepts that are given to them, and that can be fixed, but if this is truly something completely over the head of the student, maybe there needs to be a change of venue or even a change of curriculum involved. I understand this may sound a bit harsh, but when you are involved in health care, don't you want the best qualified people handling your situation?
Hi Joan, I really like your idea about offering an hour tutoring session to support students! Tina
I would do two things. The first thing I would do is email the student Learner 1 and explain I understand their concern. I would also explain the online classes take more time and if it would help can I take an hour away to tutor you in any area that you are struggling with.
The second thing I would do is post on the db and explain that I appreciated the honesty. I would state that remember that your fellow peers do understand also. They may be another great resource in the course. Peer to Peer tutoring can be helpful and it may boost Learner 1 self-esteem.
To me, the 3 posts by learner 1 are a cry for help. I am there to help and instantly use the email hyperlink from the discussion board area assuring the student that she/he has "my full support" (in so many words). Fear, self doubt and lack of confidence can be quite overwhelming in the online environment. So I try to encourage and reassure the student and also state the discussion question in a simpler way. I agree with Aisling and we seem to have similar strategies of breaking down the assignment or question and providing a step-by-step.
I fully agree with your reply to Mark: “sometimes we spend too much effort trying to communicate via email when a phone call could resolve the issue betterâ€. Plus, a phone conversation can be more personable, encouraging and nurturing which is excellent for relationship building. Another advantage of using the phone is that the instant feedback can help determine the root cause of the problem leading to a more effective support and maximizing the resources avaialble.
Hi Deborah, all of these are excellent strategies. Motivation is also one of the keys to keeping her from dropping out. Tina
Let learner know he or she is not a failure. Try and find out what part of the concept do they not understand. Help student find a solution to the problem. Let student know you are there for technical and learning support.
Hi Mark, I agree that a phone call can help determine the root cause of the issue. I think sometimes we spend too much effort trying to communicate via email when a phone call could resolve the issue better. Tina
A couple of things come to mind to help learner one cope. One thing is to get learner one and three together as mentee and mentor. Perhaps this learner three, who is obviously excited about and understands the postings could pass off some of that positivity to learner one.
Another tactic would be to set up a phone conference or chat with learner one to acertain where the attitude comes from. Perhaps there is some kind of support that this student needs in order to alleviate the stress causing these types of responses to posts.
Hi Gelena, I agree, it is very important to acknowledge the learner and try to understand the reasons behind the behavior. I also encourage my faculty to pick up the phone and call the learner to resolve issues quickly. Tina
This definitely seems like a disruptive learner, based on the definitions and descriptions we got in Module 4.
This type of learner needs intervention as early in the course as possible. I believe, one on one communication via email or other means would be the most successful way to stop this behavior.
First, we need to identify the reasons this student feels so negative, why they are having difficulty learning and responding to assigned questions, etc. Then go from there.
Hi Rhonda, this learner can be very disruptive to the entire class, so it's important to help them understand that you are there to support them regardless of whether they have a learning disability or just need 1:1 time to understand what to do. Tina
