Mentoring
I am a new instructor and think that being a mentor to the students is very important. They seem to look up you more.
Jamie,
What are some specific things you do to position yourself as a good choice of a mentor?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I try to make myself as available as I can. I feel that it is very important to be available to your students.
Jamie,
In what ways do you "make yourself available" to your students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I make my self more available by being available before or after class.
A few things I do as to be a good mentor:
1. Always take time to listen to what the student has to say.
2. Try to give good return responses, not to tell them how to do something, but to give the direction/guidance on how to accomplish their goal.
3. I alway make it a point to be the last person to leave the class room, just in case a student has a question and may be a bit afraid to ask in front of the whole class.
James,
This is great advise. Thanks for sharing!
Jeffrey Schillinger
Things I do to mentor are:
1]. Greetings students by name as they enter the classroom.
2]. Say in class before a lecture how important this concept is and how it will help you in college and the workplace.
3]. Letting students know my office office and how they can contact me.
4]. Having daily reminders and announcements on the course website.
Claudia,
Thank you for this post. What are some things you do during class that position you to be a mentor?
One of the factors I pride myself on is being approachable. If a student doesn't feel they can come up to you as an instructor and feel comfortable discussing topics with you, then the odds of that student being successful are greatly diminished. When that student does come to you, LISTEN to what they have to say and respond accordingly. Remember, you are the subject matter expert, they are looking to you to learn and you as the leader have to make the learning process attainable as well as enjoyable. If it isn't fun, they won't stay.
Great point, Alan. School has to be fun in order for our students to really get the most out of it and to stay motivated. The boring, dreary class is the enemy of successful career college students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
