student objections
what is the most effective way to deal with the student objections?
Hello Patty,
Once again, what a great comment you made regarding providing thorough information! In most cases, when student objections arise, it's not that the student is really objecting, it's just that there is a lack of knowledge on behalf of the student as to what is being discussed. Providing thorough information for then will help clear up some misconseptions they may have. We must also ask more open-probe questions to give us a better idea of what the true concern is (peeling back the onion). This will put us in a better position to address and overcome that concern. You can NEVER act as if the student never raised the objection and just keep going with your presentation. This will make the student feel as if you don't really care about their situation and that they are just a number to you. At all times, we must show empathy, listen to their concerns, address and overcome them, and this will translate to the student understanding that we have their BEST interest in hand and that we really want to HELP them!
Rose,
They can become overwhelmed. If they share their feelings and ask for support, you quickly find the situation is not as bad as they thought it was.
Patty Aronoff
Heather,
They speak from a student's perspective. It brings instant validity in connection with prospective students.
Patty Aronoff
Lisa,
It shows that you care about the student. Providing support services may mean the difference between a withdrawal and graduation.
Patty Aronoff
Agreed Heather! We also administer student feed back forms at the end of completed courses. We are able to share this positive feedback on our website and printed materials for potential students to review that may offer them confidence that they are choosing wisely.
Another useful approach may be having them get into contact with current students (that are pre-notified and willing to participate) in a program. Also another possibility is if there are alumni that are willing to participate in this role. Sometimes speaking with someone actually in the program (or out in the world after the program) can really answer questions in a way that we cannot.
what I've found is that they are afraid of failing and showing them they will have the resources to acheive helps with
I believe it is important for students to understand they have a support system. Returning to school is scary. Juggling families and school is hard. Validate and provide options for the student to draw their own solutions. If we provide the answer the student is not vested.
liz,
By allaying their fears. We need to provide thorough information for them to be able to overcome any hurdles that they expect.
Patty Aronoff
Rebecca,
Motivation is the driving force. Your approach is well stated and well implemented. It's not why I cannot , but why I can!
Patty Aronoff
Hernan,
Well stated! It's not about objections it's about freeing any concerns they might have been the knowledge that you provide and they come to the conclusion on their own.
Patty Aronoff
Juan,
Active communication will delve into the reasons why they are coming to your school. What is it about their future they want to achieve?
Patty Aronoff
When I deal with student objections, typically the inital objection is hiding a deeper objection or issue. The most common objections are of course time and money, but those are typically indicators of a deeper issue such as fear or negative feedback. I try to overcome the objection given and if that answers the question or eliminates the objection then we move forward, but not until that issue is addressed. If they come with another objection (and it normally has been addressed or not mentioned or hinted to at all) then it is usually fear. Finding the motivators are key in overcoming the fear objection.
Thanks,
Rebecca Parker
If a prospective student had the motivation to come to your school for an interview, and during this process he or she present objections to your presentation, I believe going back to the original motivation, asking open ended questions, showing genuine interest on you part to help him or her, it is a start in finding the reasons for the objections. This is an opportunity to uncover issues that the prospective student may have. With this information, you would be able to provide solutions and help that student to keep that original motivation he or she had to make a change in their lives.
To ask qusetions and try to find out has this always been their stance about a subject or was their something that caused them to think a certain way. Then see inf we can find a solution to help them to start the ptocess for their career.
