The power of the paradigm
How as instructors do we uncover the paradigm from which individual students operate? Obviously most of us are not trained in psychology, but are there tools available to help us look for certain behaviors that reveal a person's outlook on life? Are schools conducting training in this area for faculty?
Some schools are using a variety of learning style assessments and other temperament indicators to get insight into how students send, receive and process information. Some of these instruments are traditional paper/pencil assessments; others are web based. As an example, Campus ToolKit offers four on-line assessments [DISC, a variation of the Myers-Briggs, an assessment indicating the student's visual, auditory, tactile or kinesthetic preference for learning, and GradMax]. These tools provide profiles of students that can be used by faculty and/or staff to better understand how to relate with their students. Training and/or support resources are important to properly use this information.
I think that this is a very important question which should be given a lot of thought to.
As we have notated the importance of sex education, of second languages, and of many other subjects useful to our youth and our society, we forgot to focus a bit on psychology. Yes, we do need programs that empower our students. All their lives, some students were told that they are not good enough to achieve their goals in some way.... at one point they must realize that what was once true to them is not true at all.
Knowledge is power, Katy. Helping students understand themselves and how they can overcome self imposed barriers will help them change their future.
well said Loren...todays world seems to revolve on the beat down instead of the possitve reinforcments we need as warm blooded mammals...focus and an "atta boy " once in awhile goes a L O N G way
For some students, they are "putting themselves out there" with little to no support. It is our jobs as instructors to remind them "we are so happy you are here", and "you can make of life whatever you choose". For some, they feel their lives are limited to their circumstances. It doesn't take much for a student to believe in themselves with positive reinforcement from instructors. Even if they don't make the best grades or have bad days, it's up to us to point out the good and remind them of the end goal. Sometimes something as simple as lending an ear during break or after class can make a world of difference in how the students view themselves and their situations. Everyone wants to know that someone cares enough to listen and encourage.
