Christopher,
You are correct, this is only part of our business. We are in the "mental health" business from the stand point of everyone comes in with "baggage" of some kind. We assist them in learning the soft skills needed to obtain the career they want in their lives.
I agree that we are also in the mental health business, albeit not as formal counselors. I believe it is inherent as Instructors to counsel our students and help them break what I call a "circle of ignorance". I feel this is very similar to HABE's. We need to make the students realize how past behaviors and influences have shaped their self-esteem and belief in their chances of success.
I agree, Mental health business yes. We have to take these students and mold them into what they are to become.
I agree. We are not only responsible for teaching the students but also for counciling and mentoring them.
We are a technical school but we do much more than just teach technology. Students are taught skills that will help them obtain and retain employment. Some of these things are actually part of the curriculum, such as being graded on a professional attitude, showing up to class on time etc.We also do plenty of emotional hand holding to ensure the students success.
I can see what they mean by "mental health" but I think its a subset of the overall educational experience students receive and we provide. I would not put it out there as the core of our business but one of the parts of our business to consider and ensure we act on throughout the student experience from the time they come in to being alumni and then training staff to be more cognizant of their roles with their customers.
Lindsey,
This is very true. Sometimes we don't really need to say anything to help a student. They may just need someone to listen to them.
Neal,
Very good points. They have to feel that they can trust you and make a connection. Explaining "why" is very important.
Many times this is true. Not very often do I see students that have a clear target on their future career goals and can stay focussed on the prize. More often than not you need to help students keep their head in the game; many times the events of the day can be overwhelming and they cam wind up shooting themselves in the feet without the reminders of why chosen this path and where the path will eventually lead them.
I absolutely agree. Many student's will face numerous obstacles in their path for an education and it is our job to remind them why it is so important for them to complete their education. We are here to help them succeed and sometimes that means we have to be counselors as well as Financial Aid, Admissions, etc.
Tony, I couldn't agree more. As educator's we provide every resource in our power for their success. However is goes to the old saying, "give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach him how to fish and he eats for a life time."
Yes we are in the "mental health" business. I find the faster I can gain the students trust so that they will come to me when they have a problem my "education business" becomes so much easier. When the students have too much on their plates in is very difficult for them to focus on classwork. Most of the time they have no clue how much help the school has to offer them. But before you can direct them they must open up to you so I try very hard never to do anything that will cause me to loose their trust. Any rule or S.O.P. they must follow I try to explain the "why" behind them. The more they feel I am here to HELP and teach the better classroom atmosphere for all.
I agree never really looked at it this way But when you do you see each student in a different light as they do each instructor they see some better some worse even creating the problem for the student.
George,
You have a true understanding of our business and what takes to help our students and allow them to succeed.
I agree. If we are to have success at changing habits, attitudes, beliefs, and expectations, we must try and get into the mind of that student. If we understand what the root cause of the poor attitude or belief, we can combat that with positive things - this is absolutely a mental business.
That's exactly right. Just sitting down with students and having a "heart to heart" talk works the best.
Elizabeth,
You have the exact understanding of saying we are in the "mental health" business. Coaching and training of behavior is rewiring their brains, which is part of "mental health".
I agree we are in the mental health business. Many of our students are away from home for the first time and need help with daily living. Sometimes having a “Father, Son” talk is all it takes to make a difference.
When we take on the task of helping individuals achieve their vision or goals then we take on the responsibility of changing their mind; their conditioning. Reinforcing or creating positive mental health is part of that undertaking. Teaching like coaching requires training of behavior as much as training in the skills we want them to master.
Yes I agree we need to be the life advisor at times for the students. In being there for the student we can help the with encouragement to stay the course and fulfill there dreams and live there passions.
