Model, Mentor and Monitor
Showing that you care helps to form a connection with the students. When I have a student who misses a class, I telephone the student to find out what's the reason he/she was not in class and give her/him the assignment that was missed.
By doing this its sends a message to the class that I need you to be present for me to teach.
Catherine,
This is a great summary of how student services are supposed to work. Thanks for sharing this. It is important to remember that students need to be told over and over what is available to them to help them navigate past the "rocks in the road."
Jeffrey Schillinger
Our instructors do not have access to telephones during class, but they will email my team who reaches out to the students. Many times the students do not realize they have options. Our classes follow a very structured learning plan so if they are scheduled for the morning class and cannot attend, often there is a class later in the day or in the evening where they could attend pick up the missed lessons. It also helps us to identify students who are having other struggles, such as issues with transportation or housing, and we are able to get them help through Student Services with carpools, bus passes, or roommate listings, etc. The students appreciate that we notice their absence and that we want them to be successful and that we truly are available to assist them.
The extra care that is given to students have a positive impact. The students realize quickly that the "support" is readily available for their success. If missing support then it will lead to loss of students.
I agree. Sometimes just giving that extra personal touch is all that is needed.
Agnes,
If the call is a positive experience for the student, they call is valuable. If it becomes a "have to" instead of a "want to" for the teacher, the calls will lose their effectiveness.
Jeffrey Schillinger
