I agree with this statement. Education involves not only providing the knowledge and skills to ensure our audience is successful, but ensuring that the emotional and even spiritual needs are addressed as well. Many of the students face stressors that may discourage and slow their progress. Educators act as mediators, counselors, support advocates and sponsors to the students.
Faculty are there to educate the student/customer however we wear two hats. We, as faculty, also have to deal with all the psychological baggage they bring into the classroom. These students have marital problems, at home problems, socio-economic problems, brain chemistry problems, etc. Nurturing these students, by listening and showing a caring attitude, may help them learn how to cope or deal with their problems and be a successful student as well.
I agree with this statement with my whole heart! While at college and taking education courses to become a teacher I was dismayed when my curriculum development instructor would talk more about the issues she had to deal with involving her current high school students and how she felt more like a guidance counselor. I thank her almost every day for prepping me for my career. Instructing at any age and especially at college I think being able to listen and attempt to help our students who are now dealing with "life" beyond childhood is 50% of what we do. They can't learn if they aren't mentally in a state to do so.
Erin,
Creating a "safe" environment in which students can relax and lear is essential to effective instruction. All the "noise" in adults' lives can make this difficult.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We are in more than one business. I like to think about the mental aspect in terms of Motivation. If we beleive that the obstacles that students place on themselves becasue of HABEs can be overcome, then it is through the efforts of attacking those HABEs through motivation and advising. This motivation and advising can then overcome their mental roadblocks to success.
Some students enter into a program knowing exactly what they want, their commitment level, and a plan to achieve success. They love to talk about why they're enrolled, future goals, and current activities that enhance their school experience.
On the other hand, some students enroll in programs without knowing what they want. Especially in my field, Culinary Arts, some students recognize that they like to cook, but have no vision for a career in cooking. Because they lack that vision, happenings in their extracurricular lives is given more consideration than school. Teachers must get into their minds to encourage and direct.
Cheryl,
What are some specific things you have done successfully that allow you "get into their minds?"
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree, some students may not have anyone to talk to or feel they can't talk to family. We can also be more objective, see both sides and give advise accordingly.
Celine,
Some institutions have contra ted with companies to provde counseling and other services that most smaller schools are unable to provide. Reports are mixed over how many students use the services. Reports are encouraging regarding the success of students that do use the services.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Yes we are. Educating people will always involve all aspects of their personality & reality. Separating either one form the education process will only create discomfort on the student, frustration, & increase difficulties. When we take into consideration their abilities, skills, & ways of learning, we have in our hands powerful tools to help the student understand the material presented & apply the knowledge to continue their learning path.
Angie,
Many successful schools work to "make the pictures match" relativer to what is expected and what exists during the enrollment and orientation processes. Whay are one or two specific things your team does to decrease the discomfort and frustration of unmet expectations?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Yes, we are in the mental health business. Everyday I deal with students who are having personal issues, and you have to find a way to help them handle that and continue to go to school regardless of the outside stress.
Definitely agree each one of us play several different roles in educating, guiding and assisting our students.
I agree. More so today than maybe in "yesteryears" students are a lot of times overwhelmed with personal problems that seem to over flow into their professional/student life. We need to be counselors in addition to our day jobs that we are paid to do. And sometimes a listening ear or another opinion might be all they need to se the light at the end of the tunnel.
I do agree. People bring so many life issues to the table when they enter into our programs.
Paula,
What are one or two of the most difficult life issues that your students bring with them? How does your institution work to mitigate the impact of these life issues?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree with this statement. It's true that in the career sector, we are more than educators. Students in our classrooms may not have a good support system outside school, and it becomes our role as faculty to nurture their talent, build their confidence, and continually reinforce how class room concepts assist them in achieving their larger goal of graduating to work in a career field of their choice.
Thank you, Sharron. What are some of the specific things you do to nurture talent, build confidence and/or reinforce how class room concepts will help them reach their goals?
Jeffrey Schillinger
From admissions,throughout education,career development and job placement assistance, all faculty and staff are counselors on some level.
Facilitation of the life change individuals who come to our schools are seeking requires assessment, motivation and behavioral coaching.
Getting to truly know our students makes us more effective in setting them up for success not only academically, but in life as well.
We are definitely in more then one business. We of course have to service our students who are our primary customers but we must also service the employers who will be hiring our students when the graduate.
