Help
Hello,
We all need help. The student is in a new environment, often this means new challeges and concerns. We a instructors can help.
I agree that most students welcome new challenges. I will do my best to not set unattainable requirements, an easy way of doing this is to use my own experiences as a guideline then incorporate the requirements the college has for the course to provide an acceptable outcome and learning environment.
I feel that one of the biggest is the respect. You still have to convey your authority but we as instructors dont need to talk down to the students.
Everybody has the uniform of the day. Knowing that, even though the uniform is mostly mental, when put on, makes me feel that way. No different than a new suit makes you feel when going out.
Always have a positive attitude, smile and respect. That can be tough. How do you get motivated to achieve this on your down days?
The main issue reguarding help is to make sure they know you are approachable. Try to always have a positive attitude, smile on your face and show them respect. This always works for me because they feel I might human and helpful.
People react to new challenges differently. One of the challenges facing faculty is providing a variety of ways for students to make the appropriate adjustments. Extroverted students may want to discuss things while more introverted students may seek out resources that they can explore on their own.
But your point, Joe, about making sure that challenges are realistic and attainable is really important. Even the most well adjusted person will react adversely if they feel they have no chance to succeed.
Most students will welcome the new challenges. Taking on these new challenges will give the students confidence in the future. We, as instructors, need to make sure the challenges are realistic and that any objectives set are attainable. Sometimes I try to put myself in a similar situation in order to get a student's perspective of the challenging environment.
I make sure that all new students have my contact information. This ensures them that they are able to reach me if they have a concern or issue. I also make sure to follow up with student concerns or issues to make sure they get resolved.
The students are scared, unsure if they made the right decision, we need to be there for them. Listen to them.........that makes a big difference. They need someone to talk to........listen to them and give them support and encouragement. This make a great difference.
How have you been able to help students adjust to their new environment, George? Do you do anything with incoming students as a group?
