Get Your Students Hired
Definitely agree each one of us play several different roles in educating, guiding and assisting our students.
Yes, we are in the mental health business. Everyday I deal with students who are having personal issues, and you have to find a way to help them handle that and continue to go to school regardless of the outside stress.
Angie,
Many successful schools work to "make the pictures match" relativer to what is expected and what exists during the enrollment and orientation processes. Whay are one or two specific things your team does to decrease the discomfort and frustration of unmet expectations?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Yes we are. Educating people will always involve all aspects of their personality & reality. Separating either one form the education process will only create discomfort on the student, frustration, & increase difficulties. When we take into consideration their abilities, skills, & ways of learning, we have in our hands powerful tools to help the student understand the material presented & apply the knowledge to continue their learning path.
Celine,
Some institutions have contra ted with companies to provde counseling and other services that most smaller schools are unable to provide. Reports are mixed over how many students use the services. Reports are encouraging regarding the success of students that do use the services.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree, some students may not have anyone to talk to or feel they can't talk to family. We can also be more objective, see both sides and give advise accordingly.
Cheryl,
What are some specific things you have done successfully that allow you "get into their minds?"
Jeffrey Schillinger
Some students enter into a program knowing exactly what they want, their commitment level, and a plan to achieve success. They love to talk about why they're enrolled, future goals, and current activities that enhance their school experience.
On the other hand, some students enroll in programs without knowing what they want. Especially in my field, Culinary Arts, some students recognize that they like to cook, but have no vision for a career in cooking. Because they lack that vision, happenings in their extracurricular lives is given more consideration than school. Teachers must get into their minds to encourage and direct.
We are in more than one business. I like to think about the mental aspect in terms of Motivation. If we beleive that the obstacles that students place on themselves becasue of HABEs can be overcome, then it is through the efforts of attacking those HABEs through motivation and advising. This motivation and advising can then overcome their mental roadblocks to success.
Erin,
Creating a "safe" environment in which students can relax and lear is essential to effective instruction. All the "noise" in adults' lives can make this difficult.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree with this statement with my whole heart! While at college and taking education courses to become a teacher I was dismayed when my curriculum development instructor would talk more about the issues she had to deal with involving her current high school students and how she felt more like a guidance counselor. I thank her almost every day for prepping me for my career. Instructing at any age and especially at college I think being able to listen and attempt to help our students who are now dealing with "life" beyond childhood is 50% of what we do. They can't learn if they aren't mentally in a state to do so.
Faculty are there to educate the student/customer however we wear two hats. We, as faculty, also have to deal with all the psychological baggage they bring into the classroom. These students have marital problems, at home problems, socio-economic problems, brain chemistry problems, etc. Nurturing these students, by listening and showing a caring attitude, may help them learn how to cope or deal with their problems and be a successful student as well.
I agree with this statement. Education involves not only providing the knowledge and skills to ensure our audience is successful, but ensuring that the emotional and even spiritual needs are addressed as well. Many of the students face stressors that may discourage and slow their progress. Educators act as mediators, counselors, support advocates and sponsors to the students.
I agree! As educators we are faced everyday not only with our own problems but also our students. It is our job to help our students through there problems and guide them on the right path. Sometimes this action helps students see that we are human beings and not just teachers.
Amy,
What are the most effective ways that a teacher can demonstrate compassion and understanding?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I do agree with this statement, without attention being given to the mental health of a student, the student will falter.
I absolutely agree. We are on the forefront with the students. Their lives are usually a primary thought when in school. We have to be able to recognize when that "mental" part of life starts to interfere with schooling. Then, we should be able to come to their level and help them work out their issues.
Yes we are. There will be ups and downs for each student through out a course. They need to be able to count on your compassion, understanding, and help to make it to the end.
Nicole,
What do you find is the biggest difference between traditional age college students (18-22) and adult student (25+)?
Jeffrey Schillinger