Talking
Just talking about a problem can be very beneficial.
Once the student has talked about what is on his/her mind, I can tell that they feel better and are able to focus on what they need to do.
A great practice. I hope the students appreciate the commitment that this takes.
How do you manage the initial contact? Simply greeting them as they come through the door, pausing to chat during "lab" time, scheduled appointments outside of class?
I try to greet every student individually at the beginning of each class. I can get a read on each student and keep an eye out for any issues reflected in their behavior.
Talking can be very beneficial to you and the student because they feel a sense of concern.
Absolutely, taking just a minute or so to let the student know you are there makes a world of a difference in someone's life.
I try to have an open door policy and reach out to the students, however, I try to brainstorm ideas for resolution of the problem at a sceduled meeting not during class time. I think that this determines whether it is just classroom drama or a true issue. Prior to the meeting I have the student write it on paper and this way they can present the issue in a more professional way. Then after discussion I let them know that I will help them problem solve but that they are ultimately responsible for carrying out the plan of action.
Let me address the differences of student to student and instructor to student. The expectations are different. Many of us use our friends to vent to, complain to or just to have someone who supports how we feel. The expectations are that they probably won't give us an answer but will support us. When going to a person in a position that might be able to help, the expectation is for a solution not for "support" found from friends. The process described in this module allows you to give both support and help with solutions while maintaing a professional relationship. The results of this feedback helps eliminate the possibility of supporting negativeness that can sometime be what a peer would give. It carries an air of believability thereby building a trust that really will carry a student to their successful completion of their dreams.
Absolutly!! Sometimes you just need to release what is inside to move on.
If I notice a student not paying attention, comming in late, frequent bathroom and water breaks, I will take the intiative to ask whats going on. Talking up front most times helps the student understand you care and can send them to the right person to help if I can't
Are you referring to peer feedback [student to student] or instructor to student? I think a student's expectations would be different when talking with a faculty or staff member.
True, but how do you initiate the process, Michael? Do you wait for a student to approach you or are you more proactive? What determines your choice to reach out?
I fully agree, showing a student that you can listen and help them identify there problem can make all the difference. A lot of the time there not looking for an answer just want someone to listen.
yes i agree,talking to someone about a problem can be very helpful.Even getting feedback or another point of view from someone can bring you to a solution you otherwise may not have thought of.
