quiz ?
One of the quiz questions asked about a student coming out a classroom crying and what should you do? Of course I got it right. However, so often I see instructors who feel that if they intervene the instructor whose class the student lef tout of would look at them a certain way.
Colleen,
We need to find ways to help students while developing facutly and allowing both to save face.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Yes, some other instructors might take offence at your intervention, but they must have tiny little egos, and I can't be held responsible for their feelings. Helping the student is Priority One.
Most of the time, a crying student needs nothing more than to vent. Piling a school life on top of a work life and a personal life can be overwhelming, especially for the young. Invite them outside of the classroom, sit down, and just listen.
Catherine,
This is a great example of positive attention and emotional intelligence.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I found a female student crying in the bathroom. I asked her what was wrong and it turned out she was having issues with attendance because of problems with her transportation. Instead of sending her back to class I took her to Education and they worked out some help with transportation and her schedule so that she could get to class and graduate on time.
Try to assist the student, without crossing boundaries. Taking the student back to class can create a very uncomfortable situation. Espesially if the class or instructor is the reason he is upset. Always ask first.
Dr. Rogers
In situatiin such as this, I would definitely stop and ask the student if there is anthing I could do to help. I feel the sooner someone helps the student to address any issue, the sooner it can be resolved where possible. If nothing else I can offer an ear tolisten.
I agree with you regarding the "crying student" Of course I would stop the student and inquire if there was something wrong and if I could help him or her. I would also relate this to the instructor of the room from which he was exiting. Even if the student did not explain why he or she was crying when he or she had calmed down they would appreciate the instructor cared enough to stop and ask. Yes, I also agree with you some instructor would take offense that you spoke with the student. My opinion they should never have let the student leave the room upset without talking to the student.
Many times a student will come out of a class or come onto the campus and start crying.
The sooner someone ask what's going on the easier it is to solve the problem.
An example. A student came to school and when she passed my door I asked how she was doing. She came into my office closed the door and started crying saying she wasn't feeling well. She was feeling stuffed up. First thing I did was give her tissues and told her to blow her nose. Then reminded her that things could be worse and she could be having stomach issues.
She was only having lecture classes so I gave her a box of tissues and a small pail and told her to keep blowing her nose and not to "suck the snot" back up her nose.
She left my office not crying and giggling.
Luciana,
What was the correct answer to the question?
Jeffrey Schillinger
