accessability won't stop at orientation
I think that one of the most important things an instructor can do is maintain their accessability. I have hade more students come up to me at break and lunch for help than I have during class. This starts the ball rolling, you help one student word gets around quick that your willing to help. I know we cant spend every lunch with the students, but I think more instructors should get out of the lounge and get involved other than in class. But thats just my opinion!!!
Scott--
Absolutely correct! Students will gravitate to individuals with whom they feel comfortable and supported. That can be faculty (current or past), the secretary, maintenance....in short, anyone who they feel is available and has their best interest in mind. Retention is a 'one student at a time' endeavor.
Susan
Maintaining accessibility is very important to the students even after their done with your class. Sometimes the students find it easier to talk to an instructor that they spent time with rather than someone in the office that they only see occasionally. Whether or not you can help them directly it makes them feel better to know they have someone to talk to.
Charles--
Great point. Giving advice is always risky business. Showing support and referring them to appropriate resources is always the best bet.
Susan
Pauline,
Yes we need to be accessible to our students, but when it comes to their personal life we should not give advice. If a student is having life problems we need to listen then tell or show them where they can get the help they need. We should not offer advice, because it could cause other problems.
Charles--
Being available and accessible is very important. It is wonderful that you are physically moving around the room to make it easier for students to stop you and ask questions. Being sensitive to their needs and easy to approach (by being near them when they might have a question) is a great strategy.
Susan
I agree, I also have told my students if they are having problems let me know. I tell the students that I can not always see that they are having problems by their work. They may have to tell me. As they are in lab I walk around the room to help where asked, but if the student does not ask I keep walking. I also tell the students my office hours so they can find me during that time. But, they also know that if they see me in the hallway I will stop and help or set a time for them to see me.
This is true. Sometimes their problems are personal in nature and they just need someone to talk to.
teachers do need to be acccesible to students, somtimes they need someone to help them with other issues that is going on in their life . Teachers can serve as mentor.
I tell my students if they are needing help to let me know and I will do what I can
Many times the students do not want to bring up their problems in front of the class, giving them an oportunity to tell you about problems in private helps.
