Motivating Students
Students sometimes have to have more information on what types of opportunities may await them after completing their program. There are many other opportunities for people in the beauty field besides salons, such as media, fashion, film and medical.
Katie,
It is often the case that our prospective students are just not sure of the career path they wish to follow. As admissions reps, we need to provide as much information as we can in order to make a valued decision.
Patty Aronoff
I completely agree. Students have many options and paths that they can choose. Many students have no idea what is out there in the world as far as careers. It is our jobs in admissions to show students that there are options out there for them and motivate them in the process so that they can see that the sky is the limit for them.
Absolutely, Carmenza.
So many institutions see their students as merely consumers and have lost sight of the personal, motivating forces that brought them in the doors in the first place.
Connecting with students, who are also in fact consumers of your (educational) product can provide them with a little deeper connection to their educational institution, which hopefully pushes them just a little harder to succeed.
Carol,
Agreed! Many times they just want someone to listen. Nonetheless, our role is to provide them the most information we can so that they can make an informed decision about their future.
Patty Aronoff
I think the best way to motivate students is to relate to them. I always try to put myself in their shoes. I let them know that I know what change is about because I too had to change my life at one time. I feel when students feel like you are on the same page as them and not above them...they tend to feel a little bit more confident and comfortable.
Francesca,
And the day the walk across that stage as a graduate or stop by your office to tell you they got the job is the best of days!
Patty Aronoff
Patty,
I definitely agree with you. The majority of the students that attend the school I work for are used to being put down and told that they cannot pursue their dreams. These potential students are sitting in front of us for a reason, they want to move away from their situation and move towards a better one. Because these potential students are so used to being put down, we have to take the role of the motivator to show them that they CAN do this.
Francesca Berberich
Carmenza,
Motivation is a powerful force. Once we determine the motivation we can work on overcoming obstacles that may cause a student to drop out. Focusing on the motivation is key.
Patty Aronoff
I think motivation to students should be based on finding the students needs and goals. Once that motivations is found, (example:kids, family, first in the family to go to college). Then the motivation is understood and can be reminded to the student in their educational journey.
Connie,
Schools have a focus in developing programs built on integrity and pride. Here is where the education department carries extensive power.
Patty Aronoff
I agree with both of you. As an owner and instructor I get to know all of my students. I teach a massage therapy program and the ratio of female to male is 10:3. I have designed the practical part of the program to teaching more medical massage techniques. This helps the males to get jobs in the medical and sports fields and also allows for a uniqueness for our program.
Building integrity and pride is one of the ways to motivate students to become successful. It also keeps them motivated to learn!
Nachelle,
I think we all have to look back at what is our reason. Have we met our goal? Or did we redefine and develop a new and more challenging one?
Patty Aronoff
I agree nachelle.
I personaly like to get to kmow all of my students so that i may fully understand why they are attempting to attend school. I work for a medical college and it is very important for me to get to know that student so that i may suggest what program they would exell in. For example if a student prefers numbers or has a background in computers i would suggest they look into our medical billing and coding program. Over all the student will feel comfortable and will trust that you are stearing him/her in the right direction
I like to think of what is inspiring a student to do one program over another. Example if a school has a major for business and psychology and it is the exact length of time and cost why is this student chosing one over the other? We all have motivation, to make money, better job etc however that isnt what is pushing a student to start school. they already have a roof over their head etc. but why NOW. why THIS program. If you dig deep it was the feeling they got when they visited the psycologist for their child and saw the result. something that has a personal meaning.
Kathleen,
Exactly! This is another very good reason to bring out the importance of incorporating career services from day one. There are many opportunities available and they need assistance in their research.
Patty Aronoff
