Holding tightly onto a student....
In career school education, students are not your average students. They sometimes must be conjoled with a firm hand...
I have found that the effectiveness of being stern is wildly varied. I have pushed hard and gotten results and I have pushed and lost students. I find that stroking my students egos is an creative way is often times more successful. "I know that you all your hard work will show through once turn in those late assignments..."
Matt--
I agree. If we think back on some of our favorite teachers, it is the ones who were challenging but helpful that we tend to remember the most.
Susan
In my experience a student that is pushed and pushes back 9 times out of 10 will come back to you and thank you for not relenting.
I think "firm but reasonable" is the way to go with any type of student. They need to know that WE run the class but we are there help them. That is the reason for being firm.
Career school students are very different! This is a very true statement. This is the only school that I've ever been associated with that has an intense follow-up with the students. I agree that a firm hand can help to guide a student into following the correct protocol.
Ellie--
Excellent advice. We need to challenge our students to go beyond what they think is possible sometimes. That includes both encouragement and standards.
Susan
I don't know if I agree with the word "firm." They need to trust you and that you are a tool to obtaining their goal.
Yes, I agree. Sometimes a strong hand of guidance, sometimes a strong hand of encouragement pushing them into what they are capable of...even if their own self doubt pushes back.
