Get Your Students Hired
I believe that mentoring students is the most important non-technical task that we as instructors must perform. I use the term "must" because without mentoring we are just passing on technical data without the motivation and drive that a lot of students need to be successful.
Benson,
Thank you for this post. What are the some of thethings you do intentionally to "connect" with your students?
Mentoring is a very important thing that needs to be done everyday. Just like taking roll, I need to consciously make an effort to connect with and mentor my students, in order to keep them connected.
Deborah,
Thank you for this discussion forum post. I look forward to interacting with you in the other discussion forums.
The simple things that good teachers have been doing for years are usually the best things to do. Using students' names is among the best things teachers can do. Thank you for stating this.
What are some other things that you go out of your way to do that demonstrates to your students that you care about their success?
A simple action such as using each student's name lets the student know an instructor recognizes them and cares about their success.
Also, taking the time out when giving feedback to say "I want you to be successful" is important
I agree. The extra attention and your focus on students individually and collectively is an essential ingredient to a good class.
Adam,
Great post! You are completely correct. It is up to everyone to play a part in retention and the three m's. In some cases the custodian plays a bigger part in retention than faculty and staff.
Modeling, mentoring and monitoring must be the responsibility of the entire institution. The instructors are not the only responsible parties when it comes to retention. Although instructors play a huge role in assisting students, the cashier's office, financial aid, admissions, counseling and advising and on up to the President's office all should have a vested interest in students completing courses and, ultimately, graduating.
Increasing enrollment and retention are extremely important in our institution and strategies are constantly being implemented. We have had campus-wide meetings to discuss how to improve these areas.
Charles,
That is nice to hear from students. We are very transparent in our students eyes and they can easily tell if we truely care or not.
I hear it all the time from our students that they appreciate the attention they receive at our school and they can tell we care.
Lucy,
You are correct, "mentoring is personal and reaches the heart". Monitoring is equally important, because you must be able to follow up with individuals so you can continue to mentor.
What is easier to do? Mentoring or Monitoring? From my position as Manager of Student Services at a college level, I often see that some facilitators embrace monitoring more than mentoring. I realize that both need to be there, but one without the other, particularly monitoring without mentoring creates a message that is only marginally encouraging to students. Mentoring is personal and reaches the heart.
Roy,
I also agree with David. The communication it not only verbal communication, but this can be nonverbal communication. Students can easily tell if we are there because we have a passion for what we do or there for a paycheck.
I agree David. There has to be some form of communication between student and instructor so we are not looked upon as babysitters. (Although sometimes I feel that way) Without showing students how to apply the technical aspects of what they are learning, and sticking with them until they understand, we might as well give up. The reason I decided to take on this position in the first place was to offer my expertise and wisdom to those younger than myself. Without the students, our future would be very grim.
I strongly believe the same thing. I notice such a big difference with the students. When they do get mentoring they are excited. The students enjoy interacting with others and informing them of the progress they are making. I wish students every where could experience this.
Students need to CONNECT with at lease one student, one faculty member and one administrator. Research says that those who connect, persist at a far greater rate than those who don't.
I strongly agree. Mentoring my students lets them know that I am not just connecting with them on a professional level. It lets them know that they are not just a number to me. They are individuals with individual needs and expectations and goals.
I couldn't agree more...even considering the short length of time for our classes, i will usually have one or two students that will continually come back over the course of their schooling for help, guidance, or just to say hello. It's clear to me that our role as an insturctor doesn't end with each class, but it continues on because we are mentors. To have a sutdent come back after almost a years time asking for help or guidance is very rewarding...it shows that a true connection was made.
I agree that mentoring is crucial we like to keep our class sizes small no more than 30 students in order to keep that personal touch, learning each students name difficult as it maybe is a must, also not only having administration as mentors but also alumni and industry professionals involved with the school and student body takes it one step further.