Keeping student postitive with negative support members
Sometimes have a student continue school is difficult when they have negative support at home. What are ways other schools have overcome this obstacle?
James,
This is truly a wonderful idea...I'm going to steal it :)
Susan Backofen
We have a student success seminar a few weeks into the first term. Students write on an index card three obstacles that they are encountering with school (do not include their name). The cards are collected and redistributed to the class, and the recipient needs to come up with some suggestions. The problems and solutions are then covered in class discussion. The students learn that they are not alone, get some good ideas for solutions, and often bond with others in similar situations for support.
The lack of support from home is replaced with solid support from classmates who understand.
Elizabeth,
Individuals at the institution, as you point out, may be the only people surrounding the student who are giving them positive messages. Many boyfriends/girlfriends/family members are not as encouraging as we often expect. This is one reason why building positive relationships with peers and faculty/staff at school is so effective.
Susan Backofen
