As educators we must follow many guidelines and programs provided by the institution, at the same time we must also relate the program to what the student will encounter in the field, we must mentally and physicaly prepare the student for "real world" situations.
Carlos,
What are some specific things you do in your classroom to prepare students for "real world situations?"
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree. Most of my students are veterans. They come back from overseas with at times, short fuses. They haven't yet aclimated to civilian life or ediquite. It's our job to handle these issues when it arises
I agree. So many times, as a part of being a Mentor, you have to listen to your students and their personal struggles, and let them know that you care.
What's important is to keep a professional distance. Be caring, but to not cross an inappropriate boundary. We are here to mentor, instruct, and help them succeed, but not to be their personal friend.
Good point, Juliana. We need to friendly without being a friend. We need to refer students to counselors when needed unless we are licensed counselors. We advise and we listen. It makes a difference.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We are in more than a business. I agee we are in the "mental health " business as well. It's true, some students come with a lot of baggage, emotionally and mentally. We as faculty and staff will need to help them sort out some of these issues that seem such a burden. Many of the adult students must learn to balance school, home and work. They may feel alone in trying to handle this. I let my students know from day one about this possible balance issue and let them know I am here to help.
I would have to agree, for us to be in the buisiness of changing lives requires that there be customers who want to change their own lives. The motivation for a life change could be financially driven, personal improvement, or just a desire for something different. Whatever the reason, the students see it as a way to improve their current situation and become happy (happier?). I'm no mental health expert, but increasing your happiness sure seems like a step in the right direction for mental health.
Yes I agree, some students have to be persuaded to learn because of other things that have affected their lives, so we as educators need to be able to see beyond that and help to get them on the right track .
Steve,
What are some specific things you do help the students see beond past challenges and get on track?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I believe that this is a true statement. It is part of the function of each individual the student comes in contact with the believe in the student and help them believe in themselves. Some students have great potential which has never been realized because no one has cared enough to show them they can be successful. If all the successful people in the world listened to those negative people in their lives, many of the conveniences and technology we enjoy today would not be present. Education is not only a business for providing education, but for building up individual people who can be productive and give back to their community and global society.
We do serve multiple purposes, we need to build confidence, self esteem and improve on their current skills. Working with a diversified group that range in age there are many obstacles that vary from "away from home" issues to single parent challenges. It is often difficult to stay removed from these issues and find a balance.
I know that there are several students that I teach that will confide in me, because they trust my judgement and because they see me as a caring mentor. So yes we do deal with mental health issues.
John,
It is a good sign when students feel comfortable coming to you with personal problems looking for advise. We need to be sure we provide advise and not try to serve as a counselor.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Susan,
The sentence "Some students have great potential which has never been realized because no one has cared enough to show them they can be successful" clearly summarizes why some students have not done well in school. There are so many negative influences in our students' lives that we need to help them overcome.
What are one or two of the most effective things that your team does to help students internalize the fact that they can be successful?
In my office I keep information on every thing from child care to taxi service. Any thing that might help a student stay in school. If a student knows there is help out there for them, outside of school, but the school is also willing to go the extra mile for them, then I think the message "we care" comes through to them.
Most definitely. I speak with my students all the time about why they are not succeeding and have to address a lot of personal issues with them. They look up to us and feel that we can give them advice to handle their situations. We have to be very careful though, becuase we are not trained psychiatrists and shouldn't give too much in the way of advice. A lot of times though, just listening shows them that we care and may motivate them to do better and push harder.
I agree that we are also in the “mental health†business. I sometimes feel that we are bar tenders listening to student problems. I think that giving examples of real life situation that pertain to their situation helps relieve that tension of being an instructor and fine line of getting personal without overstepping our positions. This fine line we tread on must be upheld or otherwise we risk the problematic position of getting too involved with our student’s personal life.
Caroline,
Instructors should be friendly without trying to be a friend and should serve as an advisor without trying to be a counselor.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I completely agree. As both a program manager and instructor, I spend much time working with my students outside of class on addressing and dealing with "life issues". Our student population is often grappling with childcare, transportation, relationship, and monetary stress. That stress of course carries over into the classroom as the student may now miss class, miss assignments or disengage from the classroom experience. When the student's outside plate fills up, the first impulse is to drop out of school. It is my job to keep the student focused on that vision of graduation and work with her for a solution that does not involve dropping out of school. I like to say that I am part social worker.
Kristine,
Nice post. Thank you.
Does your school employ or contract with licensed counselors?
Jeffrey Schillinger
