In my experience, Lisa, open lines of communication can close very quickly and not always for obvious reasons. Open communication is based on trust and confidence that the person receiving the information with respond in a timely and appropriate manner. Both those terms are defined by the person sending information.
It is difficult to know what the proper interval of time is to survey students. For many students, monthly surveys will be too often if they don't have anything to report or feel that no one pays attention to the results. A system that is available when needed, but not intrusive when not needed, would be ideal.
I'd like to hear how participants try to balance communications with students.
Open the lines of communication w/our students seems to be the greatest resource we have. Instead of one word answers on a survey handed out in class, perhaps monthly forums w/student or class representatives would benefit more.
Elaine, providing chauffeuring service certainly goes beyond the normal duties of a faculty member. I hope you are recognized for your dedication. Your practice of getting to know the students beautifully illustrates the importance of building connections with the students and how it can have a powerful effect of their lives. Nicely done!
I try to get a feel for each student on somewhat of a personal level, but still maintain the student/teacher relationship. Once I have gained their "friendship" we can then discuss and maybe even help them with any problems they may have from threatening to drop from the program. One of my students wanted to drop because she didn't have a ride home from school and she only had 3 weeks left, so I offered to take her home after school so she would finish the program. Needless to say she has.
