Retention
How do you know when to get involved in a students personal life?
As an instructor you need to be able to reconize a problem when it start's.Alot of time's you can pick right up on this behavior,example's ,I can't do this project, I am just having a bad day,I'll never get all this work done.This could a byproduct of I don't have lunch today,or how am ,I going to pay this month's rent.We must understand that most student's don'thavea large bank account and just slep 8hr's before they made to our class room.
I believe you are correct in the matter of noticing the day to day changes. we are with these individuals for three, somtimes six weeks and get to know them and their dimeners. I have had students that in just passing in the halls and say hey how are you doing? and they start in with a story that just makes me wonder, how they are doing it. I remember back to my own trials and tribulations as a starving student and be somewhat of a simpethitic and understanding ear. Sometimes just being there for them to "VENT" can make all the differance in the world. A lot of our students "LOOK UP" to the instructors as roll models to their future in our industry.
Are all instructors at your school also mentors? What are the expectations of mentors?
I agree, we have services in place to keep instructors from getting personally invloved. If you notice a change in the student's appearence or demeaner, ask if there is something wrong and if they let you know, refer them to the proper service.
I agree that we should not get involved in the personal side of a students life, however sometimes there is no choice. I feel that as an instructor I need to be available to the student, if they need to vent, talk or what ever the students need is what should happen. I am not saying we should solve all the problems, but sometimes when we just listen to the student, the answer will come to them. Or, we can direct them to whom ever may assist them.
I believe that as a instructor your have this ability to notice small changes in your students when they happen. I my case I am a instructor and a mentor. this allowes me to help the students who have issues that could make them drop out.
What happens when you get a student that dosen't let his out side life effect his class work . Some people have that ability. They may not let any one know that anything is wrong before its to late.
It's hard not to get involved at some level. What sort of resources would you like to have? How will you get them?
I DONT BELEIVE IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO BE INVOLVED IN A STUDENT PERSONAL LIFE, BUT WE SHOULD HAVE THE RESOURCES TO REFER THEM TO SO THEY CAN GET THE RIGHT ADVICE.
You just have to keep an eye on them and see if there attitude or conduct change from day to day.
Your comment, "I believe the starting point is "when they ask". From there you can determine the appropriateness of your involvement and your ability to help", is true. Let's take it one step backwards. How do we get them to ask? I believe that as instructors we do care about our students. We don't have the right to pry. I find that with each class I try and make individual contact with each one of my students. This to me put things more at a personal level than an instructor student level. I will never compromise the instructor student level. I am the instructor and they are the student. That must be set first of all. What I find when I reach out to interact with them is that they will let their guard down and open up allowing the opportunity to come to you. Keith
When their behavior changes and their work ethic is starting to be effected. You as their instructor should notice when your help is needed.
I'm eager to hear what other Forum participants have to say about this question. It's difficult to provide a universally applicable respond because of the personal nature of the situation and relationship and skill set of the people involved.
However, I believe the starting point is "when they ask". From there you can determine the appropriateness of your involvement and your ability to help. Unsolicited intercession can only lead to problems.
I hope we get many other thoughts.
