Hello William,
This type of emotional downgrade can come from parents who don't know how to motivate there children to do better in school. Words are powerful and they can last a life time.
We have a mentor program at our school. The helps us getting to know the students well and helps build there eq and guiding them towards there goals.
By developing the students Emotional intelligence the instructor can help them build strong relationships, succeed at work, and achieve life long goals.
Emotional intelligence can be gained by learning how to reduce stress,communicate nonverbally, and deal with challenges.
I will develop my students emotional intelligence by ensuring that my live chats are easy to follow and relate the content to real life events.
By making them aware of the research data about EQ. Many students have been led to believe that they are 'stupid' or 'incapable' because they do not have high IQ scores and are unaware of the validity of Emotional Intelligence. This gives them confidence to re-develope a 'can-do' attitude which influences a positive learning direction that may have not been active for quite some time or even ever.
When I encounter students who are struggling in class I like to use myself an example of how they can be successful if they put their mind to it. I share with them my struggles with math in high school and I explain to them how I overcame those problems in college. Rather the just saying “I’ve been there too, you’ll be alright. . .†I demonstrate what helped me overcome the problem. I also explain to them the lessons of the “turtle and the hare†slow and steady does in fact win the race. I encounter several students who believe they cannot succeed simply because they overload themselves in the first semester. In many instances the academic over load is based on the student’s perceived need to be full time rather than part time for financial aid purposes.
I advise students to balance their general education classes with their concentration classes if possible. This builds the student's confidence in their abilities and it allows them to “touch†what the came to college for in the first place. Rather than making students take English, Math, Psychology, and Biology in their first semester, I suggest they take English, Math, Criminal Justice, and Life Skills. This is a more manageable load for a brand new student. The Criminal Justice class is the first in their concentration and the Life Skills class provides them with valuable information on how to be successful as a student.
Students attending classes in the evening hours are always anxious about getting done with class early. I know this because of their questions and behaviors that follow often. So, at the beginning of the term I review the course syllabus and class attendance policy and tell them if they leave before class is over that I will subtract the time ansent and this will affect their end of course grade. I co-relate this to "punching the clock" at work. You don't get paid for the time you are absent from work.
" ... a few seconds might make all the difference in the world with a struggling or troubled student."
You are right on target, here! Thanks, William.
Carol,
You are showing them that you are a "similar other." Students can relate to that.
Having common sense will help them to be an asset at their job.
I do a couple of things that I think lend themselves to this subject. I try to keep a positive attitude, even when I might feel otherwise. Students pick up on negative vibes so it's a good idea to keep it positive.
Being a mentor is important, too. A caring attitude towards students sets a good example and makes them feel they are important.
Lastly, I never put a student off. If a student comes to see me outside of office hours, or stops me in the corridor, I somehow make time for them. I think that just a few seconds might make all the difference in the world with a struggling or troubled student.
Good strategy, Christopher!
Thanks, Oliver.
What are some of the things that you do to encourage your students' emotional development?
I use my own stories, of dealing with a young daughter and a fiance with cancer at the same time as completing my Bachelors degree, most can not top that.
I have place learning in front of the student as a stepping stone. I teach a difficult subject and to encourage the emotional development of the student when they get frustrated. We work though cooping step to help grow.
Each day I have a student bring in an inspirational quote to share with the class. The only ground rule is the quote has to be positive and something that they can apply to their learning in class.
Thank you for this post, Phyllis. It is important for us to remember that we teach the "whole person" and that we are preparing them for life, not just a career position.
One way that I help students to develop their EQ is to have them participate in various activities, including a quiz that assesses their interests and core beliefs. I use these as a stepping stone to working on assignments that require the students to examine what they really want out of life personally and professionally. Most students come to classes thinking only about what they want to do professionally and are often not thinking about what will fulfill them as a person. I believe that these exercises at least increase their awareness of how they will feel about their chosen path.
Phyllis
Thanks, Gail. Requiring the students to be accountable to the class is a good way to build an effective learning community.
I try to recognize, accept, and help our students transform some of their negative emotions.
I also practice lighthearted techniques and found that it DOES help to connect with students and the students connect with each other.
I challenge them to challenge me. Showing them that just because I am an instructor doesn't mean that I walk around knowing everything all of the time. I'm known for a phrase, "look it up and get back to me." When students ask me certain questions, that I may or may not know the answers, I will have them get the information for the next class.
I always believe that as an instructor of course its important to be the mentor or model of professional behavior. But just like students, instructors or faculty deal with tough important situations in life also. So I always share those experiences with the students but I let them know that I have an Open-door policy and that they can come to me anytime about anything.
