The students who arrive focused and know the why find it easy to develop the how. Kids are a big one which helps many people keep focus on the why.
Anthony,
Thanks for this post. What are some specific things you do to help foster that attitude in students that do not already have it?
Jeffrey Schillinger
they have this "can do" attitude and don't let anybody tell em otherwise. Its infectious sometimes.
Evangeline,
Thank you for this post. Too often we just write the low grade on the top of the page without thinking about how a kind encouraging word can mitigate the impact of the low grade.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I try to find something positive to say or praising an assignment goes along way with improving student's habes. This includes my C and D students. If I see disappointment on my D students faces I offer tutoring or try to offer suggestions for improvement.
Teri,
What are some specific things you do to get students who do not show up with a positive attitude to develop a positive attitude?
Jeffrey Schillinger
The students that have the positive attitudes always seem to do better. They are engaged in their studies, homework, lab and tests. They are also the ones that are harder on themselves when then do not do as well as usual. I does not bring them down though. They keep working and striving to be the best. I always try to bring out the best I can in every student. It is difficult, but the longer I have the student with me the better the chance I have to change some of their negative feelings into positive ones.
I find that having group activities seem to encourage and motivate those that are not so sure of themselves.
Donna,
I look for teachers who know the class is about the students and not about the teacher. Far too often, teachers create policies or requirements that are more suited to making life easier for them rather than having student success as the top priority.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Flexibility is an important part of success, since things don't always go according to plan, or more specifically, YOUR plan. Perseverance is critical; being willing to slog through the tough spots, and keep going. And, having a human side, where you are willing to lean on someone when needed, and provide a shoulder or a leg up for someone else.
Dennis,
Modeling and mentoring are key. I have also found getting new or struggling students to sit and talk with students who have overcome the same challenges works very well.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Sarah,
Thanks for this post. Positive thoughts are the key.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Your comments on successful characteristics of successful students is very helpful. Besides showcasing examples and lead by example do you have other strategies for infusing for effective HABE's in students?
Successful students often have an outside support system that provides the positive focus the student needs. Often, we need to build a support here on campus for those students who do not have any outside support. This can be challenging when outside influences see no value in what the student is trying to accomplish. We strive to be all things to these students to help them stay on course toward the goal they think/thought was so important. Often, we are fighting with the mind of a student who has given up - we work to help them see how changing their belief in themselves can make all the difference. Some of these students try their education 2-3 times before they are successful. We celebrate the victories one student at a time! Graduation is such an emotional time for all stakeholders.
Lise,
I have had good luck with stickers as well. Students in college sometimes respond well to things that might be consider "juvenile."
Jeffrey Schillinger
Because of the program I teach, we have to have skill assessments. Instead of letting the student know that they didn't something wrong, I try to let them know that there is a better way to do something or encourage them to try it a different way that would work better. Of course, there are certain skills that have to be done a certain way and when the student doesn't do as well, I do praise them for the skills that they did correctly. I also praise the students for all different kinds of things, even on their exams, I place stickers on them and they get really excited about that. it may say "Excellent" or "Way to go" or even "good try" but at least they get something. I have even used stars of different colors--of course, the gold star is the best, with silver and red and green and blue ones are also good. They strive to get that gold star to put on their refrigerator like their kids!
Beatrice,
I am uncertain what you mean by "negative attitude about their goals." Please provide a couple of examples. Thanks!
Jeffrey Schillinger
About 25 percent of my students have a negative attitude about their goals; and that has a negative effect on the rest of the students with good HABE's.
I've noticed that my most successful students have good study habits, are over achievers, and really care about their grades. I believe what separates them from students that were not as successful are several things such as: 1.they want a better life, and 2. they challenge themselves, 3. they can see the big picture.
I've noticed that my most successful students have good study habits, are over achievers, and really care about their grades. I believe what separates them from students that were not as successful are several things such as: 1.they want a better life, and 2. they challenge themselves, 3. they can see the big picture.
