Common Ground
With so much going on in a students life these days, I try not to allow them to loose focus when they come to me with questions and issues. A lot of the time it is just an excuse for what's truly underlying. Once we seek common ground, the student feels relaxed and usually opens up about the person business and we are able to get everything resolved.
The 'common ground' you mention is a critical part of the communication hierarchy and is likely what your student is feeling when they relax for you. Relationship equity allows you the opportunity to share your opinions, and will hopefully allow the student to feel comfortable enough with you to share their thoughts. Thank you for your post!
When speaking with students I try to help them determine whether they have excuses or reasons. A reason is a valid obstacle that needs to be overcome before success can be achieved while an excuse is a means of delaying something we are afraid/nervous/anxious of.
It's great that you take the time to understand your students and have a goal to help them overcome their challenges. The reality is that whether it's a reason or an excuse, they are both challenges that can get in the way of a student achieving their ultimate goal. How can you help your students come up with solutions to their own challenges no matter what they may be?
when meeting a student for the first time I always try to identify with some aspect of their life so they really feel I am trying to help them and then any walls come down and I can begin to help them.
That's a great approach Kim. When we can find mutual interest with our prospective students it helps them to trust us on a different level. What techniques do you use to try to connect with your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
