I think the key components of advising students is to help them find their own answers. If we tell a student what to do then we become responsible for their failure or success as the student did not make their own decision. It is important to help guide the student to find their own decisions. We can point out possible paths, but it is important to help the student find their own path and not be made to follow the path the advisor feels important. As advisors we need to know our own biases.
Hi Phyllis,
Allowing students to make their own decision with some guidance causes the students to have full ownership. Advising is a lot like parenting, give input, but the ultimate decision should be left to the student since the student is of age.
Patricia Scales
It is my opinion that the key components to successful student advising is open communication, clear goals and expectations, a clear understanding of areas for improvement and a way to measure progress. It has been my experience that student advising can often be an ongoing process due to the individual needs of the student. I feel that it is also very important to make this interaction more like a performance evaluation rather than a negative interaction, similar to what a person might receive on the job. I have found that students respond very openly if it is presented well.
Hi Cathy,
I agree! You must also listen to your students as well. Our students want and need our expertise.
Patricia Scales
I agree with making the students feel comfortable so that when advice is given in an honest,direct but caring manner no offence is taken.
Hi Consuala,
Most students appreciate honesty and will not become offended. You have to help students understand that you are doing everything in the biggest interest for them.
Patricia Scales
listening and understanding their view according to their background is one way to regenerate self confidence in adult learners. as instructor we may not always have the answer to their problems but the least we can do is to offer our support and maybe a different vision or way to look at things.
The best way I feel to successfully advise a student is to know the student. Spend the time before and after class talking with the student. Really get to know what some of their interests are and show an interest. Spending the time early on in their education, establishes a relationship that later pays off. The students will respect you and listen to your suggestions because you have shown that you care about their success.
Hi Richard,
I concur! Students need to know that we genuinely care about their success and them as a person.
Patricia Scales
Hi LAURENT,
I agree! We don't have all the answers. Some of our students have major challenges in life, and if I don't know how to help them, whenever possible, I try to refer them to someone who can help them.
Patricia Scales
I agree with this comment. Reprimanding students should be done one on one. Always considers the words chosen. it should never be sarcastic and insulting otherwise it will more conflict between the teacher and the student.
I do mid-term counseling/advising as well. I sit down with all of my students regardless of their average to discuss their progress in the course as well as the expected outcome-SUCCESS! Generally, speaking I tell all students who are failing what they need to do (pass test, makeup assignments, schedule tutoring, etc) in order to pass the course. I also let them know that no matter what their grade is at this point that they should not get discouraged. There is still hope as long as they implement the plan of action we are discussing. Then, I ask them to meet with me briefly each week to discuss their progress to discuss what part of the plan is/isn't working. For my students who are passing, we discuss what they are doing and what they need to continue to do in order to maintain/improve their grade. Overall, this has proven to be very effective since students know exactly where they stand and what it takes to get where they need and want to be.
Tasha
Hi Ma. Louella,
You are on point! Staying calm is key so that the student does not get out of hand.
Patricia Scales
Do it in close doors (one on one) and only deal with the facts.
Hi Cleider,
Absolutely! Behind closed doors is key. Students want and need only the facts.
Patricia Scales
Whenever I reprimand my students I almost always do it in private or at least pull them aside to make sure I dont embarass, but also to make sure theyre listening to my as well. I find I have better responses and they also respond more positively too since I took the time not to embarass like some of my past teachers did to me.
Hi Elizabeth,
Great way to handle students when they are to be reprimanded. No one likes being embarrassed. Students will get real ugly with you if your try to embarrass them in front of others.
Patricia Scales
We need to always be static on the discipline for an infraction. Trying to remain constant in all venues.
Hi Drexel,
Being constant is a must! When we don't waiver, our students are better prepared.
Patricia Scales
Whenever I have to do student advising I make sure to make the meeting private, especially since a lot of my adivising has to do with the possibility of failure of the course. I make sure the proper documentation is ready and I dissucss the issue with them until I know they understand what is happening and we have a plan to fix it. If it is a classroom issue then everyone gets talked to, no finger of blame is pointed and then we move on. I have found these methods very effective.
