Are We In More Than One Business?
I agree we are in the mental health business also we must learn to look for signs that something in not right with our students. mood changes habit changes Sometims the student only needs someone to vent to about the things going on in his or her life and sometimes you might have to refer them to a professional counselor to handle a bigger problem. but as an instructor it is part of you responsibility to know your students
Ron,
Thanks for this post. It is great to see that your team gets excited about graduation.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Yes, we are in more than one business. Yes, we are in the "mental health" business within the context of how graduating and getting a job is so good for one's self esteem and self worth. While we may not be psychologists or social workers we are providing an opportunity for one to accomplish something that will improve their lives. And let's not forget the good feeling we all get at seeing our students graduate.
Some career educators state that in addition to being in the education business, we are also in the "mental health" business. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
I totally agree.
As an instructor, I spend a lot of time with students, far more than the admissions or financial staff.
Usually, after a few weeks, they tend to trust people who will listen and try to help or guide them.
I don't always have answers but I may be able to direct them to someone who does have an answer for them.
The main thing is to be aware if a behavior has changed and try to ask about problems without being too 'nosey'
Responses can be very surprising
Are we in the mental health business? Sure we are. Going to school is avery stressful experience. Students have many problems that can keep them from doing well wiyh their studies.
Thank you, Laurie.
You make some good points here. We need to help students identify strategies and tools to deal with the rocks in the road, but they have to use the tools and employ the strategies.
I agree that we should be very aware of the myriad stressors that are present in our student's lives, and serve as a referral source and support system. I do believe however, that it is imperative that we assist the student in solving their own problems versus solving their problems for them. Not only are the students more satisfied with this approach, but they are empowered, and will be more likely to manage future problems and stressors in a more competent and confident manner.
I agree completely. We have a lot of students in our school that have a lot going on outside of class. They have complicated lives (families, jobs, housing issues, etc...) and this is brought into the classroom a lot. Sometimes we have to start off with building up their self-esteem and building confidence in themselves before we will even see them make progress in the classroom.
I agree very much about being in the mental health business. What we say and teach can be taken different ways by different people and how each person perceives this can have either a positive or negative view. Words must be chosen cafefully in order to encourage them to and be prepared when they hit the real world.
I agree because the state of our students mental health directly effects there ability to learn and to be successful.
Yes, I have found this to be absolutely true. I often find myself in the role of counselor to my students. I find encouraging and motivating my students is often necessary to help keep them going towards their goal.
When a student is having personal problems, I try to provide comfort and guidance.
Students trust their instructors to teach and guide them and as such,I noticed students tend to open up emotionally to me. Students also tend to be very stressed trying to balance their lives, so emotional mindsets play a major role in completing school work and a degree successfully.
Ginger Little
Quite often, it is necessary to provide the student a clear picture of their purpose for being in school, that vision they need to set them on the path they have chosen and to keep them going in the right direction.
Many times, we have to work with a student's issues to keep them on track and help them visualize, categorize, and restructure their lives to accomplish this goal.
They need help in working through issues they don't see past. Having come from a first-time family member in college background, I understand firsthand how the "HABES" can wreak havoc in our lives. I was among the fortunate ones that had a supportive family, could qualify for the financial resources, and/or work my way through college with family and friends' assistance.
These students need a support system and someone that will remind them of their purpose and help them figure out solutions to problems that can easily sidetrack them.
So, yes we are emotional, mental, health, and financial advisors. If we don't know the answer, we guide them to where they can find the assistance they need to keep on with their plans and be successful.
Thanks, Donna. I like the hospital analogy.
Yes, I believe we are in several business ventures when teaching. We are trying to support them emotionally, help some with high stress levels, encourage some with extra attention, and the whole time know that we need them just as much as they need us.
We are in the same arena as a hospital. Hospitals are open to help people, but if they do not meet or surpass costs, they will not stay open. Does that mean they are only open to make a profit? They, like us, must treat people like customers. The bottom line is important and must always be uppermost or we will have no students to teach, and they will have no place to recieve their dreams.
I tend to agree. Students often come to me seeking advice on issues ranging from financial to health related concerns.
I totally agree. Some days more than others of course. But for the most part I spend an equal amount of time on the individual mental aspects of students than on anything else regarding that student's educational needs.
Getting them enrolled and scheduled for class with books in hand is the easy part. . .it's meeting their mental and/or emotional needs that often takes a great deal of time, empathy and often a tremendous amount of patience and dedication.
Some of my students are severly troubled and come from backgrounds and lifestyles I can only imagine. Such as raising multiple children alone, working and going to school. . .or perhaps they are just out of prison and are sincerely looking to better their lives but have never been taught how to achieve this in a civilized, self-respecting way.
Thanks, Michael.
What are some of the things your school has in place to provide the support that your students may be lacking?
I agree. Students attending career college often do it against the wishes and without their normal support system. It is important for us to be aware of a students mental health in order to support them in this process.
Metal health is all about what we do.
Keeping the students on the right path, and not getting ourselves to high or to low.
I take my job very seriously, and sometimes I care too much, and I have too reel my self back in, and regroup.
It's all about the student
