Cheering Squad!
Let's cheer these students on to VICTORY! We may be the only positive individuals in their lives.
Thank you, Linda. Once students know you actually care about them, they will usually embrace the relationship you are trying to establish.
I used to tell my faculty that you know you are doing things right when students stay after class and tell you things that you really may not want to hear. When they do share with us,we are obligated to find a way to help. Sometimes we may need to refer them to experts trained to address the issue that they are facing.
I totally agree. I have a very diverse group of students. I have many single mothers, divorced men and women as well as young and older students. I try to find something positive to say to each one of them based on who they are and what their situation is. We have them do a short biographical sketch at the beginning of our quarter and that gives me a lot of insight on how to approach them. I try to make them feel as if I am not only their instructor but someone who is there is listen as well. Sometimes they biggest problems they feel are not really big at all after we talk about them. Make them comfortable with you and they appreciate your thoughtfullness and encouragement.
We do need to give pats on the back and "good job" to our students. Positive reinforcement is alws great.
George,
You are correct. It is very hard to disregard someone who is animated and loves both the subject and the fact that he or she has a chance to demonstrate that love to students who may one day develop that same passion.
Passion for the subject without passion for the students will not be as effective.
If you are passionate about your subject, your chances of motivating students significantly increase becuase they feel the genuineness in your passion.
Tiffany,
You are correct. The lack of a support system makes it tough to stay in school. To combat this, some career colleges do intentional things to get families involved, like weekend events.
When I interview students before they enter my program, one of the first questions I ask is who they have in their support system. I usually get a positive response and most students have a good support system. But you would be surprised how many do not. I have evene come across some who's friends are more supportive at them going back to school than their spouse is. I keep notes on this as I then try to be even more proactive in making sure they know I am here for them and to encourage them along the way.
Absolutely! Some of these students have lives that are abusive, or mothers who are single and live with parents who are angry with their situation of having gotten pregnant. These students are trying to make a better life for themselves and need regular encouragement and praise.
I've noticed that many people don't have cheerleaders in their corner. We are the only people sometimes!
