Instructors CAN and SHOULD handle all student concerns
Instructors cannot be all things to all people. When you have the knowledge and expertise to handle a student concern, then by all means do so.
However, when the concern is beyond your ability to help, always leave the student with options (hope), by using the referral process.
Maybe you cannot personally resolve a student concern, but there is another resource person or agency that can.
I think it depends on how you define "handle" - yes, we have the ability to redirect the student to the appropriate resources, but that's only a surface handling. Also, there are some problems that are above/beyond our resources as a school; there may be things that require the intervention of law enforcement.
This is very true. The problem with some instructors though is that they may not know their limitations and feel that they are the best one to help the student solve the issue. It may be helpful to have a seasoned supervisor monitor these meetings so that they can assist the instructor with their skills.
The demographics of my campus have many issues that are often complex and personal. Sometimes it is not possible to give that student a resource that can provide immediate assistance. We have a referral system called APSIRE, but often times the students are put off by the lack of immediate help available. Many of their issues are long standing socio-economic issues that are affecting their self-esteem, I can really see now that some of the students I have lost in the past have definitely fallen into the category of unnecessary attrition. This course has helped me recognize that I need to act fast when I notice someone's health and grades start to drop. I had no idea that was a symptom. I will be watching for those symptom in the future!
When a student has a concern, the instructor do not automatically has the answer but he or she is in a better state of mind to direct the student into the right thought of process. Sometimes the answer is right under their nose but their level of stress is so high that they can't think. Also by giving them options for them to make their choice, it built their confidence and make them feel they have control of their life because they were part of the solution.
Hi Francis, I tend to agree with you, but like most sometimes all it could take would just be the simple act of listening to the student concerns that could possibly solve the issue. I know for myself that sometimes just to voice my issue gives it a whole other aspect and sometimes puts things more in perspective where the answer to the issue just seems to present itself without too much more stewing on the subject. Thanks for the response.
My institution has several departments that handle every type of student need that could arise, however I like to try to handle student issues myself if possible. I have a better connection with the student than the other departments do, and I think that helps the students ability to be more open with someone they feel more comfortable with, which leads to their problem being resolved faster.
This is why it is so important to have periodic formal reviews of the support services that are available and more importantly, how to help students access them.
Klaus, do you have office hours that allow for private conversations with students? How do you/they feel about phone conversations after school hours?
This is true, we cannot be all things to all people, however we can give direction where to go when they need assistance. this is our job this is where we need to be. Of course financial aid, room mate, health issues, family matters we can do very little about. we can though direct that student where to go for their needs.
There are many different situations where it is difficult for an Insructor to handle all students concerns.I have only 15 minutes after my class before the next class comes into my lab and there is no place for pivacy to talk to a student.Another problem is that the students want to leaf as soon as class is over.So I have to seek help from other.
You illustrate the art of education that complements the science of education. Professional development training to help instructors know when/how to make referrals are important.
Don't forget the follow up, Sue. Once a student is referred for support it's important to make sure that everyone follows through.
I feel an instructor should what is in their scope of practice and knowledge. The instructor may listen to the student concern, but might not be the right person for a solution. I believe that the instructor has built a rapport with the student but should know when to help and when to seek help for the student.
I agree. As instructors we would like to be ablwe to help all students. Having a chain of command will help. Listening to the student, then refer them to someone who will be able to help them using their expertise and insight.
William, what do you mean by "being separated from the campus"?
John, are you referring to outside agencies? If so, is prior permission required before the referral is made?
Being seperated from the campus allows my students to form a close bond with me. They express feeling that they will not say at the school. I always find time to address any issues that they want to discuss and try to resolve them if I can. I follow up with the appropriate staff at school to solve the concerns. It works.
We have a referral list that helps us help the students. If a student has a problem we can use the list if we can not offer help ourselves.
Its not about being able to handle all student concerns. It is important to me that I know where to refer a student that needs help that is out of my realm. Also Its incumbent upon me to establish that I genuinely care and want to help the student, directly or through a referral.
