Lost dreams
Just being approachable is sometimes not enough. You may have to recognize that the student is having a problem and approach them. It's sad when a student goes back home because you know that at one time they had a goal, a purpose, and a dream and now that's gone. I t must take a while for them to get the feeling out of their head that they failed, or someone failed them, in accomplishing their goal. For the same reason that they will feel badly, we must not push them through, so the reality of their dream feels spectacular when they do graduate.
I've found that over the students time at school, goals will modify themsleves. Oftimes upon enrollment the goal is a very general concept of the future. As the student progresses, the focal point may become much sharper and may not coincide with the learning path that they had initially chosen. In as much as goals have changed the sudents vision of the future shifts as well. Instructor encouragement is essential to continually stress that the curriculum will take them where they wish to go as they specialze within a field.
I agree, they must see someone who is not only very knowledgeable in their chosen field but they must also see someone they can talk to when they need help.
The dreaded "why do I have to take math". It would seem pretty obvious why someone working with recipes would need to know how to use numbers.
What techniques do you use to help them understand the importance of math to their careers?
I try this too. I have been successful with some students, however other students will not seek help... For me personally, it's hard not to "cram" the help down their throats because I want them to be successful in this career choice. I remind my class regularly (every other day) when I am available and also other sources that are available for class help. I teach culinary math and I get a lot of students who just don't understand why they have to take math...
I do the same with my students. I remind them what the completion of the program means for their lives and long term goals. The course they are taking now can potentially open doors for them that they hadn't imagined initially. I find it important to not only remind them of what they are currently trying to accomplish, but also what further potential they hold within.
Positive reinforcement ,I try to relate what each project is going to do for them in the future. Some say I will never use this , but with just a little thought process and quick thinking you can keep them on track.
If we all as instructior show we care what happens to are students and not just blow them off when we have other things to do the student will remember that they can come to you for help and if you cant help you can lead them to the right person that can help them.
Good point, John. Do you ask the student what advice they have gotten and from whom when talking with them? Does your school have peer mentors trained to help in this process?
When a student comes to a teacher, it is important for the instructor to understand that he/she was not the first person the student has approached. The student has already asked the opinion of his peers for answers first. Our friends carry a lot of weight with our decisions. As an instructor, I hope that I can reinforce the good and discourage the negative thoughts that their friends may have instilled.
Quite often you find yourself in the hall talking to a student about his or her future and how their present behavior, attitude, and or demeanor is affecting it. I have had students tell me that they really didn't care. When I ask why they really couldn't give me a good answer. I always ask,(is this what you really want to do for a career) the answer is usually yes so I try to find out what the real issue is. sometimes it's money concerns, they can't pay the rent or buy groceries or perhaps a sick parent. Lately it has happened when a parent has lost a job and funding is short. I try to refer them to student services so they can see if there is some help available to get them through.
i always like to remind my student why they are here and the dreams that brought them here too many times they seem to forget the reasons they came to school so i remind them of that and tell them to follow there dreams and dont look back
What signs of discouragement do you look for, Michael? Do they vary among students?
I agree a little positive reinforcement and guidence goes a long way.We are on the front lines and need to try reconize issues with students.
I have found that it does not take very long into the phase to pick out the students who are already discouraged. I also found that they will very rarely approach you at this point. I make it my job to go to them and ask questions. If they are not to far gone I encourage them to get that extra help or go talk with student services to get the help they need. Helping them to see that reaching the goals they set at the beginning of school is still within reach. Hopefully this can help to save at least one student from giving up.
I agree listening and trying to help students can help them. If they feel they failed it will take a while for them to recover.
