Standing out from the Group
Students need to be made to feel like they are more than just a number to their school. They want to feel that they have a name, face and story that the faculty/staff know and care about. If they have that feeling they are more likely to get help with their stress and be successful.
Nice practice, Cynthia. Everyone likes to feel a personal connection.
I teach algebra at a culinary school. All the students have a passion for cooking or baking. I can see how they would feel like "just another student" in their culinary courses. Most of my students suffer from math anxiety. As a way to lessen their fears and to help them feel important, I try to praise each student on something when I return their papers. I make comments like, "Thank you for organizing your work," "I appreciate that you highlighted your answers," or "You have perfect attendance so far, and that is reflected in your work." If I can't think of anything complimentary to say, I ask a question. "What is your favorite meal to cook?" or "Was your mother a good cook?" I want each student to feel special. I have found that commenting on personal qualities or asking about their love of cooking helps improve their self image.
Kristia, what are some of the topics that would be covered in the policy? Does your school have a code of conduct or staff handbook?
I believe that you can provide personalized service to each student with out becoming involved in the student's personal lives. The key is to become involved in their academic life therefore seperating your self from personal life stressors they encounter.
I do feel that a set of policies to codify personalized service would be beneficial. And once they are a policy then it only seems fitting that they be part of the instructor's performance review.
"Personalized" service means different things to different people. There are some instructors who don't think that it's appropriate to get involved with their students' lives.
Should there be a set of policies that codify "personalized" service? Should the delivery of these services be part of an instructor's performance review?
I also agree with this. We all like to be addressed by our names and the more we do this, the more commitment we display.
I agree with Gina. We should provide students with "personalized" service, and that is what will make them feel that they are appreciated for who they are.
