Making conversation notes on your student for future use
I sometimes have to make notes of certain subjects or goals discussed when speaking to students. I found it was easier for me to remember how to best connect with them when speakng to them in the future. Even jotting down there favorite activities so that I can bring that subject up again...does anyone else do this? Or is this trying to hard? When speaking with so many students / potential students its easy to get confused.
Gretchen,
Good point! It's important to balance taking notes with demonstrated interest in the student. Do you ask the prospective student's permission or set expectations by telling them ahead of time that you're going to take notes?
Elizabeth Wheeler
Taking notes is a good idea, possibly having a small cheat sheet to make sure you covered important topics, what your student said about these topics, etc. It is essential that you don't take too many notes as the student may think your disinterested due to lack of eye contact, etc.
I do think that taking notes can help in remembering inportant facts and about a person or conversation but it must be done with care to keep the student privacy and best intrest in mind and be done without personal bias.
I also think that it's incredibly important to take notes on your students! I definitely think that people who work with students are more scuuessful on several levels (not just listening) when they haev notes to refer back to with a student. I always ask permission from a student and I will keep the notes until I am through assisting them - not just until the meeting ends. Make sure you are always following FERPA guidelines though!!
I think that is an excellent thing to do Faye. I thnik that it show that you are concerned and/or interested in what is going on with the student rather than viewing that student as another number being added to the University. It shows the student that they are important to you and can help them realize that you are truly interested in his or her success, not just getting them to start classes. I also make notes of certain things that students are involved in and I don't think it trying to hard at all; it shows you care. Great post and question!
Great approach Robert! Asking permission to take notes demonstrates respect for the student and can help in building rapport. I get the sense that a focused environment is beneficial for both you and the student. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. Jean Norris
I always make notes and dedicate an entire page of the notebook to each prospective student. I will always ask to make sure they do not mind to put them at ease. I dont want the student to feel interrogated on the defensive. I want them to be able to discuss their situation in an honest and focused environment. I mention, "focused" since it is very important to me to avoid interruptions while with a student. I feel good listening requires few distractions.
Sherri,
Yes! It gets hard sometimes to remember all the details when there is only one of you and so many students! Let us know how the idea of taking notes works for you.
Dr. Jean Norris
I do believe this is a great idea! This will be an asset for future conversations with this student! It shows you care enough to take the time to jot down important ideas, to revisit later. This may say alot to a student, that you "recall" previous conversations.
Martha, great point. Not only are you taking notes to help listen and remember the conversation, you are also letting the student know what you are doing. That shows a great level of respect.
Shannon Gormley
I do the same I take notes, and let the student know that by taking notes I'm paying attention to what they are saying to me.
Excellent approach, Faye. Jotting down notes to help you remember important topics to your students is a great way to continue to add to your initial connection as you work with them. Thanks for sharing your best practice with the group.
