Students do talk
student will talk to you if you show them that you are a good listener and i mean listen to all they have to say. then they will open up to what is really on their minds. the word will get around to other students. like i said in my subject topic "Students Do Talk " i have had so many students drop in my class that are not even my students just to talk and tell me their issues.
I agree with Mr.Holland with being a good listner
in class and after class. The students feel they have a ear to bend when they need to. It just makes them feel better.
Hi Nicky,
This is what rapport is all about. Establishing a connection with students is one of the rewards of teaching. You can help and influence their progress toward their career goal. A wonderful legacy to share with the next generation.
Gary
All of you are right because I find the same thing in my classes. The only thing I also see is that there are those few who hope to never have to get involved.
Usually I make it a point to try to engage them each class meeting. I may not get them to get involved at first but after a while they always come around.
Students often open up and talk for different reasons. Some students misunderstand this listening and feel you are trying to become their friend.It's very easy to get sucked into a student issue. To avoid this I often refer the students to student services with specific guidance. Depending on the issue I may recommend seeing housing, financial aid, or employment. I then make myself a note and check back with the student a few days later to see if the situation was resolved or still ongoing...
Hi Terry,
Good plan for dealing with student issues. We can't get sucked into their issues because we will spend all of our time trouble shooting situations and not be able to teach. Your method of referring students is a good one. Your follow up in a few days lets the students know you care about them while not becoming involved in their issues.
Gary
I will say student will communicate faster than a telegraph machine.
Make sure the info, course outline, subject matter and classroom policies and procedures are accurate or this can create problem for a period of time.
Be fair and consistant with all subject matter and disciplanary issues.
Hi Darryl,
Right you are about student communication. This is why it is so important to have everything you say and require clear for your students. Rumors can fly faster than anyone can believe so instructors have to make sure that they are on top of everything they share with their students.
Gary
Any facilitator/instructor mush be a great communicator. A good communicator is somenoe who can listen as well as he/she can talk. The student will not have the confidence to share if they do not percieve the instructor will listen with intent to truly understand, and reply with out criticism.
I have founnd that alot of times, if you can't get a student to talk to you directly, you can get some indication of what's going on with him from another student.
I happen to be a great listener. I guess the unwritten part of our job is "guidance counselor/therapist", but it builds great rapport with my students.
