Seem we are on the some line here, attendance and grades seem to be the starting point. As stated along with the how the student is acting and getting along in general.
As an Instructor I will watch three main areas and some othe little clues along the way.
There are 3 big ones that I watch.
a) class participation and review session participation
b) Class Tests
c) Participation in lab
During my first contact I will pull them aside and ask them what would help them uderstand better and keep them motivated.
After the meeting I will watch their test scores and lab participation. From there I may separate that paerson or persons into another group with another student who understands the material alot better. At the same time I will give it my best to spend more time with those students.
If this does not work I will seek the opinions of more experienced instructors, ED. Managers.
Why can't you use test results as a measure of progress, Peter? Should you have more ways to objectively measure performance? Do the tests measure the competencies being taught in the classroom/lab?
What are some of the techniques you use for the various types of learning that your students have?
I usually watch students attendance and class grades. These are good indicators that a student may need some help. I usually talk to the student and refer him/her to student services.
I use the advice form in the gradebook to notify a student of attendance or grade problems.
In my course ,we don't hsave alot of tests,but the ones we do have really affect the course grade.Often,we just cannot use that as a measure.So,it leaves daily interaction,and observation to judge if the student is on even keel,or ready to pack it in.
Honesty and sincerity go a long way in the students opening up and discussing issues with you.If you can instill that trust,then typically they will share with you.
I try to use the types of learning that each person has to keep them motivated and learning. If a challenge is seen or come out of know where then I have one on one with the student. Keeping an open forum and communication with the class helps when some thing come up that the student is stressed about they feel that you will listen and if that is all it helps then maybe to gain a different look at the situation. Then lead them to persons that have the talent or education to help in a professional way.
Alot of the time as an Insructor you can actually see the student slipping in to manurizms that reflect the over abundance of stess in these students.The Student may show a lak of hygein or a drastic lack of interest in his grades or attendance. A lack of self respect can also make your job a little touchy at times.
I monitor attendance and test scores. I will talk to the student first to see what myself or the school can do to help the specific situation. If it is low test scores, I will go over study skills and test taking skills with the student. I try to observe my students demeanor and if I notice a change I will ask the student what is wrong and try to come up with a way to help the student or give direction where to get help. Sometimes it helps to get an E.M. involved.
I tend to Pay attention to a students personality. If you can identify how a student normally acts in your class everyday it is easier to notice when they are acting a little different. In my opinion this is the time when I would start to ask questions in order to get to get a better understanding of whats going on in this students mind.
Your point about body language is an interesting one, Nathaniel. What do you look for as an indicator that a student is having some problems or is under stress?
What's the next step after identifying a struggling student, Ricky?
Each day I try to begin with just talking to my class and finding out how work or their night/day went (many do not have someone asking them this if they are far from home). After the first few days of a new couse you can start to tell what a "normal" behavior is for certain students. Body language is one of the biggest tell tales for a student having a problem because stressors can have an adverse effect on the body. Honestly just talking with the students and finding out how there day is going and keeping a genuine interest in the students life can be extremely effective.
I use the following for identifying a struggling student:
a) attendance
b) classroom grade sheet
c) how well he or she pays attention
d) body language, see if the mind is there or off somewhere else
It's great that you were able to help the studetn with the transportation problem, Jeff. How did you become aware of it? So often, these type problems don't come to light until a student is on the way out the door.
Do you have any particular techniques you use when you observe some of these behaviors, Adam?
Each student can be differant in the needs that they have. For example sometimes the need is to feel that a Goal can be achieved like a better grade. But I have seen students that have even transportation problems. Last week was a good example and I made sure that the student found someone who could help.The needs change but the students don't they are people that may need our help!
There is a couple of ways to Identify problems. Probally the easiest is to watch grades & attendence. I also watch how they interact with the their classmates, & interact with me. Do they answer questions when asked or do they try to deflect questions to others. Are they participating with the labs or are they just hanging out doing nothing. Also if their behavior changes in the middle of the course. These can be indications wether your student wants to be there.
I keep track of attendance and grades, as we all due and these are usually good indicators that a problem is arising. I also keep an open line of communication with my students. Some other indicators are changes in personality and how they react to their peers. So you as their instructor (mentor) must be ever vigilant to changes in the class dynamic, it is not all technical, there are life lessons being learned here also.
I try on a daily basis to get some direct interaction with each student so I can pick up on behavior problems and try to address these rite away.afterwards continue work to work out any underlying problems.
