Anyone can handle any problem with the students
It takes the organization as a whole to handle all the problems that arise. We as instructors can only handle certain things that come up, the rest of the time we can only interact by guiding the student to the appropriate department.
Who's the captain of the team? Who calls the plays?
we need to remember that we have a position on the team, we need to be the best at that position. There may be several on the team in the same position, we all need to be the best to complete the team. We need to pass the ball at the right time so we dont fumble
Jamie is correct. We as instructors are the first contact to recognize a potential problem with a student. we have to decide what needs to be done
This is the case at our school as well. Financial aid seems to be the most troublesome to our students. We receive note and notices constantly to pass on to students. Sometimes I hear the coments the student have said, and watched the look of shock, dismay, and the occasional look of surprise as they read one of these communications. We as instructors primarily act as facilitators to those who's profession it is to help.
I really dont think anyone, even 'qualified ' people can deal with every situation.
In my time teaching (just over 9 yrs) I've had student who's brother was executed by Mafia (or similar).
Hewas shot through back of head,blew his face off.
I didnt want to know any more details.
Student who's girlfriend was pregnant and wanted an abortion, another who's girlfriend was pregnant wanted abortion but he didnt want her to have it, (and any variation you can think of), various court appearances, family deaths, room mate stealing stuff, vehicles stolen, armed home invasion, students on various medications, simple things like toothache and no medical insurance, etc.
Most of the students did not want anyone else involved, didnt trust student services or didn't want to talk to 'strangers'
Its been far more information than I want to deal with and way outside my job description
Stephen has a point there are problems that students have that as instructors we are not trained to handle. Students are trusting us to guild them in the correct direction to recieve the help and guidence they seek.
Definitely, no matter who the student seeks answers from, they must be the same all across the board. Inconsistencies from team member to team member make our jobs much harder.
We have to work as a team, if not we will never accomplish a thing. the student should get the same awnser no matter who they ask the question of.
i think we as a hole do a priety good job with the students but we need do better on the follow up
Yes, the organization as a whole is needed to to handle all of the problems that arise. But, most of the problems that the students are having can be handled by one person. The trick is to make sure that the student is directed to that one right person. Very often we send the student to the office and forget about it. As instructors we need to be more poractive and take the extra steps to insure the student gets to the right person and not just the right department.
i agree this should be handled as a team but the instructor is the first in line and must care about what he/she does for a living enough to start the process
I agree. As a motivator, mediator and educator I can see the role of an instructor. However, to have to go through the process suggested in this module would be a daunting task to say the least.
Well put Steve. The whole organization must work like a team. Communication is very important between departments for this to be successful.
Thank you guys. I recently had experiences with two differet students, both needing assistance. In the first instance I did not completely settle the issue that he had. Fortunately another instructor immediately picked up where I left off. In the second instance a student approached me with a concern and I personally escorted him to the correct department and resolved his concern. He came back to me and thanked me for taking the time to help him. This was a lesson learned. It is important to show the students that we care, that we are here to help them and take the time to follow through.
Well put.And if you physically escort them they feel important they feel you care,and you know they actually made it.
How about "Everyone should be aware of how to handle many of the problems that may arise with the students" This may mean knowing your limitations as to what you personally can do (A man gots to know his limitations) to help the student. When you figure out that the student's problem is beyond your scope as an instructor, then you must be aware of who to refer that student to for proper guidence within the organization.
