Making yourself available
On the first day of a new rotation I inform the class that I am available for tutoring before or after class, if they are struggling with the computer work assigned let me know during class and I will make any and all accommodations possible for one on one time with them, and then reinforce that I will do whatever it takes to ensure they have an understanding of the information in this class. Just by letting them know I am making myself available seems to open the door for some students that would otherwise be hesitant to approach me on their own.
We require all instructional staff to meet one on one with each new student at the beginning of their program. These meetings are documented and uploaded to our system. Quite often when a issue arises we can refer back to the notes taken during the informal get-to-know meeting held when the student first started.
Sounds like you're leading by example, Thomas. Keep up the good work; it will help nurture the type of caring culture you want.
As the School Director I don't have as much opportunity to interact with students as when I was an instructor with no administrative duties. That said, i do meet and interview the majority of our students when they apply and I do still teach periodically. I make it a point to walk the halls and student lounge, especially between classes, and speak to the students. I can't tell you how many times a student has remarked with delighted surprise, "You remembered my name!" A little goes a long way sometimes and it helps me avoid feeling cut off and isolated in the administrative role.
Nuance, I'd start with some open ended questions and respond accordingly. Perhaps they improved their understanding of the subject matter during the class. It's certainly appropriate to express your confusion about the mixed message that was sent.
Their are some students who say they want to stay for tutuoring and once the time come to leave they dont even blink an eye to the commitment they just made, how do you approach that student the following day?
What about those that are adjunct or part time teachers ? Although I am sure everyone would like to spend more time , the extra time spent ( on top of the extra time already ) without pay is difficult. Has anyone out there approached Mgmt. for paid overtime hours to implement this strategy ?
It is very comforting to students to know that you are there for them whenever they need additional help. I enjoy being there for my students.
Nicol, what percentage of your students actually visit during your office hours? Do you have regularly scheduled tutoring sessions? What's the participation level?
On the first day of class I explain my availability in which most students usually appear during tutoring sessions. Also I may it clear about office hours and contact information whereas student have the option to contact me by via mail but understand that offices hours are used to assist students.
I offer my students, on the first day of class, to review their research project as they put it together. I offer to give them feedback so they can go back and tweak the project or change some areas where they might have missed the point of the content. I continue, after the first day, to offer to review their research projects as they are working on them or once they have completed it. I usually only have one student per class who will take me up on that offer. Some classes none of the students have taken me up on the offer. It's a sincere offer, and that one student per class has reported that it was very helpful to have the guidance prior to handing in the finished product. Amazingly, I have never had a student try to abuse this. This is just one way I offer help to my students, but I wanted to share it, because it has always amazed me that hardly anyone takes me up on the offer.
I think that's a great idea! I do allow students to text each other regarding classroom questions and they can use the Internet (from their cell phones) to lookup difficult or unknown words/questions. I decided that if you can't fight it (cell phones), then I have to join them. I am a bit hesitant to give out my cell number to students, but I know many instructors who do. Maybe I should buy a pay-as-you-go phone strictly for that purpose. Thanks!
It is daunting to ask a question during a traditional lecture format class. There is a lot of peer pressure dictating against it. Being available at other times is a positive thing, but it may be difficult for busy students to connect with you after class.
Has anyone taken text message questions from students during class? A student who has a question could send a text and you could review the question at the end of the lecture?
Good practice, Gerald. What techniques do you use to make connections? Do you find that you have to use different techniques with different personality types?
I also let my students know i am available for tutoring or at any time they can come to me for something they may not have understood at some point in the day.Lots of times students may feel embarrsed and wont admit out loud that there is something they didnt understand during lecture and they will approach me after class.
I try and make a connection with each and every student of mine. I feel it is important to have that. it creates a better environment has helps with retention.
I try to make a connection with each of my students during the first week of each rotation. By making that connection I feel it makes me more approachable thus more available.
Have you found ways to tell new faculty members about the rewards, recognition and warm feelings that you get? This could be a strong motivator for them.
I have been teaching at the same school for about thirty years now. I am probably the most approachable teacher on campus. I use every technique possible to let it be known. What I have also found that some teachers don't know is the rewards you recieve yourself. The recgnition and warm feeling you get from your students is priceless. Those feelings get you motivated to do better than any seminar or instructional course could ever do.
It must comforting to students to know that you will make yourself available to help them. How often do they take advantage of that offer? Do you have students who abuse your availability?
