Retention by caring
I believe we need to be honest with our students prepare ourselves to do our best and respect every person regardless of the situations they have. Teaching them to take one step at time and helping them to have confidence in themselves with the obstacles in their lives will help achieve their goals of completing their courses. Some of these students have challenging lives and it can be very tough at times and being there mentor has helped the students continue to be committed.
I agree, I see students from all walks of life. They all have one thing in common, they are here to learn. I don't know what situation they may have left or come into outside of school but I try to show them that i really care about their well being in school and out.
Thank you, Sandra! When a student tells you, "I actually believe that you are interested in my success", you know that Retention by Caring is working.
Great process, Kristi. It must be very assuring and affirming to the students.
Do you see recurring themes? If so, does lead to a broad discussion about problems and possible solutions? Do you share this information with other instructors or support staff?
I have found that some adult students have not had many in their lives to say "You can do this", or "Way to go!", "I'm so proud of you"! On the first day of my intro class I have students speak out loud and tell what brought them back to school. I share my story of returning to college and my fears/barriers. I let them know I am human and I understand struggles and that everyone in the class is another's support system. Taking on a 2 year+ program can sometimes be overwhelming to students. We talk about how their end goal is graduation. But I try to take "baby steps" and have them write out their goals for just my class. And then have them list barriers they foresee that will keep them from meeting the goals. By the second class I speak with each individual to confirm I have read what they have said and I am listening. Caring doesn't mean it's gonna be easy. It gives the students reassurance that someone may just believe in them. Reaffirm their self confidence.
Yes, yes, yes, I am a new instructor and have already found that students do look for attention in different ways. I have found that if you give them attention in a way that is supportive they sometimes come around.
I believe that the inability to make the distinction between fixing and helping is a primary reason many people avoid getting involved with students. It is frustrating when a solution appears to be so evident yet the student is unwilling or unable to see it and act on it.
I agree with this aspect! I think that often in times of crisi, what students really need is either a compassionate person to listen and/or someone to point them in the right direction to access resources in the community. I know that we often feel the burden to FIX the problems students bring to us, but I have learned that we are not able to (and nor should we) try to do that. But pointing them on the path for self-sufficient measures (teaching them to help themselves) and offering support along the way through encouragement and positive attitude is always appropriate!
You definitely have the concept correct. It takes much nuturing to have a successful student and one to walk across the stage and make us proud of what we do.
Gloria, do you typically do this as part of class or as a one-to-one conversation? If in class, do you expand it into a group discussion with an opportunity for students to share problems and suggestions for solutions.
Gloria january 28 2010 I beleave it is good to be honest with students and let them know that you have been through similuar situations talk with them about your own expierences. And give them good advice on how they can suceed in live.
It helps to let the student know that you have expieranc simular situations as they have. And to guide them to a beter understanding as to how to succeed in everything they do.
Sometimes I do. Especially to encourage my students that we all learn differently and it is okay to struggle at times - inside and outside of the class. We all need help and we can all help others.
Interesting story, Ginny. Do you share your former distaste for school with your students? If so, how do they react?
I agree also. We do need to be honest. I think of when I was in school. I hated school and I had issues. We need to relate to them that we understand and help them push through those obstacles.
I couldn't agree more! I see students as children and staff as the parents. Some students do negative things to get attention they are lacking in their lives. By giving these students the attention and support they need to help them succeed academically and overcome any obsticles the outcome most likely will be positive and rewarding to both student and staff.
