Feedback
Can be pretty painful considering some of the topics I have to discuss with my graduates. From hygiene, persona beliefs and tatoos. I sometimes struggloe with the proper approahc. I have a hrad time when I am a stright forward, tell it how it is kind of person. I have no sugar coating skills, which I think sometimes is neccessary.
Kerry,
Thanks, sometimes,as you said, you just have to be honest and forthcoming in fairness to the student. I remember beating around the bush in talking with a graduate about his hygiene and, in this case, he just didn't get it. I finally said, "you really need to take a shower." However, I backed it up with politeness and support. I also had developed a rapport and the graduate was actually appreciative.
Jay Hollowell
I couldn't agree more. It is hard to communicate with someone regarding these topics. I have found that most people have not realized that they are doing anything wrong or don't understand why others may view this as inappropriate. I try to stick with the postive then the negative and follow back up with a postitive motivation in the end of the conversation.
It is always difficult when having to speak to students regarding delicate matters however we all want our students to succeed therefore we have to tread lightly but still get our pointers across.
I agree that those topics can be difficult to tackle, and I have not found 'a best approach'. It seems that the approach has to be taken on an individual basis...like the module says, different approaches for different folks. I look forward to applying some of these tips as the year progresses and issues arise. Sometimes I ease my way into it, praise them a few days before I know I will have a 'sit down' talk with them...that seems to build some rapport and give me a basis to balance the constructive stuff that is to come.
