Get Your Students Hired
Mr. Schillinger,
Love the discussion!
I wholeheartedly agree that in addition to education we are in the “mental health†business. As Director of Student Operations I have frequent contact with students. Often a student will come into my office and vent for 10-15 minutes. I actively listen and might even offer some encouragement, but many times a student will just thank me for listening. Obtaining an education is stressful. Students have to sacrifice their time away from family, jobs, recreation, etc. Trying to image a brighter future can be difficult when you are tired, mentally drained, financially strapped and uncertain if you can achieve what you set out to do. It is our role in education to remind students of why they chose to enroll in school and to remind them of that brighter future. If it were easy…everyone would do it!
yes ..guiding our students through active listening and concern goes a long way in the retention process.
Of course. What ever we believe we become. So many challenges of getting students to succeed is getting them to change their attitude and perception of their circumstances. We have to help them see their can'ts are cans and almost all of the time that its just a mental block.
At times we are. Typically, 1/3 of our student population are the self-motivated ideal students that educators dream of. The other third of our student population are sometimes older or more worldly experienced and are coming to us for a career change. They usually have been out of school for awhile and need positive re-enforcement to help them along. The last third of our student population have had little to no study skills, real-world life experience or direction in general and have come to our school to see if they have a passion for what we are teaching. Each of these 3 types of groups of students will struggle and stumble along the way. Many times I've been either a cheerleader or counselor or have had to redirect some students to positive behavior in order to help them succeed. At times, this can be draining, but when our students shine and blossom, it's so much more rewarding. This is the thought that keeps me coming back to work everyday.
Tamara,
Students in career colleges do not usually want to take or see the value in general education courses. As a GE teacher, we have to be very good every day and remember to connect what we are teaching to what the students are hoping to do when they graduate.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree! When one thinks they have heard or seen it all, there's always something that comes up which makes you question yourself. I strongly believe every individual in this business should take a psychology course, not just to comprehend your students or co-workers but also how to effectively offer the best advice possible without getting emotionally involved.
Definitely agree! I do not just have one job. There are so many different things we do everyday that are no included in our job descriptions, including assisting with mental health issues. You never know who a student will connect with and feel comfortable disclosing private information. That person could be financial aid, bursar, instructor etc. We listen and attempt to help or find someone who is able. Everyday there is some issue that our students encounter that deals with their personal issues.
I agree although not that we are here to diagnoss mental problems. Rather we can bring a much needed avenue of support and stability to students lives that can have very positive impacts on their mental health and well being.
I would agree we're also in the 'mental health' business. If our job is to get the best out of our students, then it stands to reason the more focused/less distracted our students are, the better the result. If we see a student not 'all in' during class we should take notice, be pro-active, talk with the student and help (directly or indirectly).
Absolutely! Students face a wide range of challenges while pursuing higher education or career changes. Some are caused by lack of education, support, training, drive, etc. It is up to us as educators to help students overcome these obstacles in order for them to accomplish their goals and acheive their dreams. This involves a variety of methods including 'counseling'- type methods; such as listening to their difficulties, guiding them to the appropriate resources, words of encouragement, pats on the back and following up after a challenge. This is why I am pursuing a psychology degree in addition to my previous training.
I agree with this......many of our students face substantial challenges in their home life, and as educators I believe we a duty to help them rise above their challanges to be successful. Often-times all they need is a helping hand.....
We are definitely in more then one business. We of course have to service our students who are our primary customers but we must also service the employers who will be hiring our students when the graduate.
From admissions,throughout education,career development and job placement assistance, all faculty and staff are counselors on some level.
Facilitation of the life change individuals who come to our schools are seeking requires assessment, motivation and behavioral coaching.
Getting to truly know our students makes us more effective in setting them up for success not only academically, but in life as well.
Thank you, Sharron. What are some of the specific things you do to nurture talent, build confidence and/or reinforce how class room concepts will help them reach their goals?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree with this statement. It's true that in the career sector, we are more than educators. Students in our classrooms may not have a good support system outside school, and it becomes our role as faculty to nurture their talent, build their confidence, and continually reinforce how class room concepts assist them in achieving their larger goal of graduating to work in a career field of their choice.
Paula,
What are one or two of the most difficult life issues that your students bring with them? How does your institution work to mitigate the impact of these life issues?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I do agree. People bring so many life issues to the table when they enter into our programs.
I agree. More so today than maybe in "yesteryears" students are a lot of times overwhelmed with personal problems that seem to over flow into their professional/student life. We need to be counselors in addition to our day jobs that we are paid to do. And sometimes a listening ear or another opinion might be all they need to se the light at the end of the tunnel.