stress
A lot of times a student unknowingly looks to an instructor to just be there to listen so thst the student can get the stress off of his/her chest. Students that are far from home look up to instrutors for guidness while away from their parents.
I agree that students rely on their instructors, with a few of my syudents, they need a person to just listen. It is a release for them to be able to vent their fears and concerns.
Denise
if a student felt like his/her teacher was un reachable, I would imagine the stress level of the student would climb dramatically. We should hold our respected position of influence, and open ourselves up to use it to benefit someones life.
Are you concerned that they will continue to do this with their clients after graduation?
Yes that is a concern that I have.
Denise Long
Instructors should be approachable, and not distance themselves from their students.Sometimes it's not easy to listen to all of the issues our students have, but like it or not, it's part of the job.
That is so true. That is why I try to see each of my guy one on one as much as possable.
It is a part of the job that really wears me down. When students want to talk to year before school, after school, during lunch breaks etc. it can be too much. I need my time too and sometimes I tell them we will have to talk later.
You introduce an interesting point, Chris. Typically, the person/people who most vigorously promote the importance of being available for students are ones who aren't in front of students all day, every day and may not have an appreciation for what they are expecting.
Do you have any thoughts on how to find a proper balance between complete access and isolation? Is the balance point the same for everyone? Have you had students react adversely to being told they will have to talk later?
That is so true. That is why I try to see each of my guy one on one as much as possable.
I agree that students sometime just need to talk to somebody. When there so far from home they need to talk to somebody they can trust.
How do they decide who to talk with? Is the process the same for everyone?
I think this is one of the most challenging areas of teaching for me personaly. You want to be approachable but not get involved with the students personal issues and emotions (drama). It seems for me, that if I don't walk that fine line, then I'm not a good teacher and the students fear me and will not approach me for valid questions they have of me. This is a really good one for me to work on in the future. We just had our teacher (evaluations) yesterday and this is an area I need inprovement in for sure!
Thanks
Chris I
Awareness is an important first step toward improvement. Are there resources available to you at your school? Do you have mentors?
I think on day one if the expectations of the course are layed out then some of the stress can be eliminated. Also if we spend more time on day one finding out who our students are they will find us more approachable and will come to us if there is a problem and we cad either help them or direct them to who can.
If you keep in touch with your students and relaxed I find that when they do seem to have a problem they are more likely to tell you the problem they might have. Sometimes being they are young your advice or just to give a listen, might seem simple to you but can be a great deal of help to the student.
To be approachable you must make yourself available. I am trying to make it a point to remain in the class room for a period of time both before and after class.
I found that by making myself more available and to answer any question the student might have has helped releave some of the stress. Also getting the student to talk a little about where they come from and what background also helps just getting them to talk.
I found that by making myself more available and to answer any question the student might have has helped releave some of the stress. Also getting the student to talk a little about where they come from and what background also helps just getting them to talk.
I try to do the same as well as provide my schedule and the best way to contact me, If I can be contacted who they can turn to next.
