From the clinician stand point, we have had to brainstorm on how to take "patient safety first" and "positive advising" on the clinic floor.
We now have specific protocols that the student is to immediately withdraw from what ever they may be doing and taken into a secure area to discuss any inconsistencies. This allows us to prepare our thoughts instead of barking an order and not creating an environment for growth through patient care.
Hi Lilia,
Awesome way to handle a stituation. Situations should always be handled privately, yet professionally.
Patricia Scales
Hi Amanda,
Wow, I love your approach. Privacy is key when you are having discussion of failure with students. I also like how you have appropriate documentation as well for backing and for coverage. You helping students come up with a solution is a plus as well.
Patricia Scales
The key components to successful student advising really center around the student themselves. Not that the key lies in them, but the instructors ability to listen to the student and act accordingly.
For example, in my last session, I had a student who really needed one on one time outside of the classroom to see the more complex scenarios we were dealing with in class, explained again. But not the full lecture, more my thought process on how I approach the problem.
I was able to get to that point with the student because I noticed a behavior of not completing work. In listening to their story, I noticed that the in class room explanations overwhelmed them. They heard what I was saying, but would get anxious that they would not understand the next set of content. What it really boiled down to was an anxiety of being afraid that others would understand it and they would be left behind.
By the end of the course, I think knowing that the safety net of the one on one sessions were available if needed. In total time, I think those one on one sessions only amounted to about 30 minutes, but the student went from not submitting any work, to being an A student. Just because we took the time to break down what was going on.
Hi Scott,
Awesome story! Some students simply just need some one-on-one time. It is amazing what a little bit of attention will do for a student. The proof is in the paragraph stated above. We have to be here for our students. Some of our students need us more than others.
Patricia Scales
understanding what they are asking for and knowing what their goal
The most important I have found understanding why they are struggling. Taking the time to ask them how they feel they are doing; how are things going in their life. It generally does not take long. Usually it is long work hours coupled with a 6 hour school day. Sometimes they are going through personal issues. Whatever the issue, if the students feels that I am advising them because I care, their response will generally be positive.
Hi Adam,
Understanding students is a must so that we as educators know how to better assist them. Our students need us to help them along their education journey!
Patricia Scales
Hi David,
You have it! Our students need to know that we geniunely care about them as a person, and we care about their education. We have to be supportive of our students. Most of our students have a lot going on outside of school.
Patricia Scales
Every week I will give my students progress report on how there are doing in class and labs. At that time I will advise the student if failing and ask how I can help and set a date as when they will come in for help. Some students I have them set up a goals sheet for short term and long term and wright down how they will get to point A to point B. I will tell them whenever they are discouraged to look at it.
Hi John,
Awesome! I can tell that you really care about your students. At the collegian level, it is admirable that you give your students a weekly progress report. Your students should really appreciate you going the extra mile for them.
Patricia Scales
I believe that in order to successfully advise a student you have to first actually care about them. Either as a person or possibly just a product that you as an instructor should want to take pride in having your name associated with, whatever your reason.... if you care about what happens to the student, listening to them and guiding them in the best direction possible isn't all that hard.
I have spent a number of years in the classroom in adult education and I have to admit that it hasn’t always been an easy process. In fact I think it is fair to say that every day is different and there is no telling what might happen. Due to the number of factors that can “sneak†up on instructors I think that flexibility is tremendously important when advising. Being able to adapt with the various student personalities, behaviors and the unexpected events that may interrupt the day I believe to be the real challenges of advising. While an instructor may deal with the same problem over and over again, each case remains to be individual. Advising for me begins with listening. I find that open ended questions that force the student to explain their standpoint to be crucial. Once there is a foundation and understanding a plan can be created and an advising can begin. While I don’t necessarily think I need to know all the details, I believe that for a relationship to be built trust must be established. Student must understand that as an instructor we are there to help them be successful. I typically use an example from my personal life to relate to an individual’s situation so they understand that they are not the only person to have an issue. I believe this also helps create trust. It is safe to state that we all need help at one point or another during our life and we all rely or relied on someone to help…..it just so happens as instructors we are leaned on a little bit more than other professions.
Hi Eric,
Students need to know that we geniunely care about them personally, and we really want to see them succeed. Students love knowing that you truly care about them.
Patricia Scales
Hi Scott,
Nicely stated! I can tell that you geniunely care about your students. Students love knowing that you truly care about them. You are right there are no two days that are alike in education. Each day you face different challenges.
Patricia Scales
I take advising students to a different place. I think when we are advising older students or adult students it becomes more about helping them see the potential consequences of their decisions and not so much of a discipline concept. I try very hard to help the student see the potential results of the decision that they made or are about to make. Then let them come up with possible options rather than the one they chose or were going to choose to get the outcome they desire.
Hi William,
I concur! Normally when you advise older students it is more about direction and not discpline. I have found that older students really value their advisor's opinion.
Patricia Scales
I agree big time on the listening. By opening all of our senses we can better evaluate to proper approach for positive results.
Listen to their concerns, be honest and if you don’t have the answer, don’t make something up. Help them find the answer. Either research it together or direct them to some who can better help them. Then follow up. Who knows you may also learn something
Hi Bryan,
Listening is a must. Sometimes students just need to be heard. We can advise better if we listen carefully.
Patricia Scales
