Julie,
These are good however is there a way to expand these into open ended questions vs. yes/no?
Dr. Jean Norris
Have you had any previous experience?
Have you taken any related classes?
LeAnn, Open ended questions are great to gather information. Why questions can sometimes put the student on the defensive, so how can you reframe your why questions so they are not potentially putting the student on the defensive?
Dr. Jean Norris
What are you doing now for work/school?
What do you like/dislike about your current job?
Why are you interested in massage?
Why is this a good time for a career change?
What qualities are you looking for in a school?
Will you be able to commit to our class schedule?
Carlos, This is an interesting situation. What kinds of questions would you like to be asked?
Dr. Jean Norris
If i have a student that is a little older sometimes when you ask them if they have a skill that is in demand it can be a little embarrassing for the student therefore i follow up quickly with success stories of someone in there similar situation and comfort them,i want them to know they need a skill and they don't have one that going to give them the income there family needs, but i need to understand not to put them down while doing this.Any tips on this transition from opening there eyes then returning while keeping them engaged ?
Julie, That is a great question. Do you follow up with any questions after they provide you with the information? If yes, what kinds of questions do you ask?
Dr. Jean Norris
I always ask the prospective student what they are interested in so that I will know what information they will be most interested in.
All good questions to get specific information, Teri. How do you think you can change these questions to gather more information each time you ask the student a probing question?
Dr. Jean Norris
We were taught to ask the same type of questions to every student and over come objections as they come up.
What do you know about the school?
Have you attended college before?
How did you become intetrested in the field?
Have you told others about your decision?
Do you have children?
What is the one thing that would prevent you from starting school.
We were taught to ask the same type of questions to every student and over come objections as they come up.
What do you know about the school?
Have you attended college before?
How did you become intetrested in the field?
Have you told others about your decision?
Do you have children?
What is the one thing that would prevent you from starting school.
Teri,
These are all great questions and sounds like they might elicit a lot of information. How could you rephrase your why question? Why questions can sometimes put people on the defense.
Dr. Jean Norris
Helpful questions I ask are:
Where does your interest in________come from?
Why is now the right time for school?
What would be your ideal job with this degree?
Who did you tell that you were comming in here today to meet with me?
Kathryn,
Thank you for sharing the forum, and responding to others!
Dr. Jean Norris
I also love open-ended questions - they may take longer, but give much information, after establishing rapport. I have also found students love to talk about themselves, once they begin to trust you!
That's great Erin. You're right, open-ended questions tend to encourage more talking by the individual and can lead to more discovery. You mention that you tend to stick with the same questions. While there are some great questions that you will likely want to ask every prospective student, how can you customize your approach and ask more specific or customized questions?
Dr. Jean Norris
I feel like asking open ended questions helps me gather information and keep the individual talking, instead of being closed off by answering yes or no. I do tend to stick with the same questions and I don't want to become robotic in my interview process; thus, I am trying to develop more open ended questions to ask, to change it up a bit.
Great job using questions to look at both their current situation as well as their goals. Knowing the answers to these questions are helpful in our role, but how do you think asking these types of questions help your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
It looks like you're using a good mix of open-ended and confirmation type questions. How do you feel these questions are working for you?
Dr. Jean Norris
Why are you looking to make a change?
What is your current situation - are you employed, looking for work?
What is you previous work experience?
What is the #1 reason you want a new career?
What is your educational background?
Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
