Overcoming Personal Barriers with the Right Culture
The personal barriers that an adult learner encounters can be the most difficult to work with, identify and overcome. Because we are adults our experiences have shaped and molded us to the point that our views, attitudes, and values are so ingrained that identification and change can be very difficult. It is not only difficult for the advisor, but for the student as well. I believe that it is possible to have personal aspects that are so deep seated that the individual/student does not even recognize the barrier themselves. Having an educational environment that is truly focused on the customer is really the only way to assist a student in this situation. If the culture of the entire organization reflects this, a student working through personal barriers may seek out someone within the organization but outside the direct lines of advisors and instructors. When this happens, the institution can truly identify them self as customer oriented.
Hi B,
Life happens with everyone! Our students have an abundance of personal problems, and the first thing they want to let go when life becomes too overwhelming is school. We have to encourage our students to hang in there and how to work through their problems.
Patricia Scales
Hello B, great post. I am new in the instructor arena but I have been given an opportunity to work directly with students of all ages. Starting with some straight out of high school to students who are in their fifty's. My job as a lab assistant also gives me the opportunity to work with students at different levels of experience. I find the older students who set in their ways are a bit more difficult to work with at times. They are not willing to listen to new ideas because they have always done it their way and it works. I show them what I would like for them to do and then suggest trying something different. I haven't had any opposition when I approach the students in this manner. Sometimes it works and other times they just go back to what makes them more comfortable. Even when I receive opposition I do my best to motivate them and encourage them when they start getting frustrated.
Hi Griselda,
You are doing a fabulous job! Continue to motivate your students, regardless. You are there biggest cheerleader.
Patricia Scales
