Intervention
It is difficult to be able to know when a student needs intervention, unless he/she comes to tell you about his/her problem(s). Each problem must have a discreet set of circumstances, and solutions. To counsel effectively, the instructor must be able to understand the sequence, and the gravity of the situations. For instance, if the rent is due tomorrow, and the student needs money to pay the rent, coming to you the day before levaves little time for the instructor to take action. In order for the student to solve his/her problems, time must be alloted for planning, resources acquisition, and most importantly, contact with the entity that is owed the outstanding rent. Using the survey first, then the verticle method of obtaining information will help to satisfy the instructor's understanding of how dire the situation is. It would be of value to offer services at the beginning of the course, indicating that the services are valuable and can be used or sought when needed. Above all, the instructor cannot make promises that cannot be kept, nor can he/she go against policy.
Justin, I have to agree - that is asking too much. Guess Mom got tired of being the alarm clock. Maybe you should be flattered he saw you as a suitable replacement?
I once had a student ask me to call and remind him to wake up for class. I thought he was kidding. However, he clearly wasn't.
Justin, could you share an example of when a student asked too much of you?
I agree Eugene! It is very important to be forthcoming with all students at the beginning of each course. I have been in several situations where students have asked too much of me and unfortunately had to turn them down. However, those are great times to start acquiring about their situation. Instructors cannot solve every problem, but we can become a helping hand.
