I'm not a counselor, but I play one at work.......
As teachers/instructors/professors, we must realize that without knowing it, often times we are changing lives. With that "power" comes great responsibility, and becoming well versed in assisting our students with their everyday, human, and sometimes seemingly insurmountable issues is the nature of what we do. Most students just want someone to HEAR them.
I believe that is true. They know we cannot solve all of their problems, but often a solution comes out just by sitting down and having a conversation with them. We do have a student advocate in our school, but she is on a different campus than my students and I. Often they just want tot alk to me because we have a relationship. There are times where I refer them back to her, but there are also times when they just want to talk and be heard!
Tracy, you make it sound so simple. I wonder why being connected with students is so difficult for some.
Loren Kroh
I agree, a lot of times students just want some one to listen to them. Having that connection with students help them feel more comfortable even coming to you with issues that may be uncomfortable to talk about with others. I don't always have the answer and i make sure my students understand that even though i may not have the answer they are looking for, together we will find a solution.
I totally agree with you. Some students are faced with serious problems. I sometimes feel like a social worker or counselor at work.
I work in Student Services and have always had concern about Instructors having to handle couseling issues and attempting to identify at-risk behavior. It's difficult to have Instructors who haven't been trained in counseling, social work, etc... attempting to counsel students. It's inappropriate to force/hold accountable instructors beyond their scope and function.
Tierra, is that good or bad? Have you been surprised by these expectations?
Loren Kroh
It is a fine line between being supportive and offering advice and being a counselor. That's why it is important that each institution have a protocol for referral that is well understood by everyone.
Loren Kroh
I very much agree! Our students' outlook on the issue usually changes drastically, and is only as successful as the continuous support they receive.
Some days I leave my office feeling like a counselor. I love helping our students and I always to the best of my abilities to do so.
Sometimes it is hard to see the line of where it is beyond our scope of practice.
Would you suggest having the information for a counselor or psychologist on hand to refer students to?
Certainly, there are limits to instructor involvement with student problems. I highly recommend having a policy that makes professional support available when appropriate.
I agree with John that most students just want someone to hear them. When they ask for advice I usually preface it with a disclaimer. It's something I picked up when I was a young Marine NCO. I tell them that I offer opinions not advice.
Rick, do your students understand the difference between opinion and advice? Is this a distinction without a difference to them? Do they turn around and stay 'Rick told me ...'?
I totally agree. We difinitely have an influence on the lives of our students. Thats why I signed up for the job. If I can save a student, and keep them from dropping out that would be a great accomplishment for me.
I feel we as instructors should take the time and get to know the students. We should be there to motivate, and encourage them, offer advice but never beyond that. We offer students our student resource number if we feel the students needs help.
One of my biggest challenges is that my immediate predecessor was a licenced social worker and was able to play that counselor role effectively - a very tough act to follow. However, her main advantage wasn't that she was providing therapy, but that she was an extremely effective listener and her probing questions were always able to elicit meaningful responses. In short, she was able to build trust faster and more effectively than I feel I can.
Bill, you sound like an excellent candidate for some training/mentoring. Is that available? Would your predecessor be willing to meet with you to offer some suggestions?
Not being trained as a counselor - how do I use the intervention model and ask about a students feelings about the proposed behavior without crossing the line and moving beyond my scope of practice?
Megan , you'll know. When you have probed an issue, frequently the student will find solutions themselves. You won't have to move beyond your comfort zone.
I totally agree, with the fact that as instructors we wear many hats. We instruct young and older students, they come into the classroom, with so many issues, it is hard not to feel empathy for our students.But we must remember the issue is the students responsibility. Our job is to let the student know we do care,and we do this by listening.
