I agree with this......many of our students face substantial challenges in their home life, and as educators I believe we a duty to help them rise above their challanges to be successful. Often-times all they need is a helping hand.....
Absolutely! Students face a wide range of challenges while pursuing higher education or career changes. Some are caused by lack of education, support, training, drive, etc. It is up to us as educators to help students overcome these obstacles in order for them to accomplish their goals and acheive their dreams. This involves a variety of methods including 'counseling'- type methods; such as listening to their difficulties, guiding them to the appropriate resources, words of encouragement, pats on the back and following up after a challenge. This is why I am pursuing a psychology degree in addition to my previous training.
I would agree we're also in the 'mental health' business. If our job is to get the best out of our students, then it stands to reason the more focused/less distracted our students are, the better the result. If we see a student not 'all in' during class we should take notice, be pro-active, talk with the student and help (directly or indirectly).
Jeffrey,
Great post. Thanks for sharing it.
Jeff Schillinger
I agree although not that we are here to diagnoss mental problems. Rather we can bring a much needed avenue of support and stability to students lives that can have very positive impacts on their mental health and well being.
Definitely agree! I do not just have one job. There are so many different things we do everyday that are no included in our job descriptions, including assisting with mental health issues. You never know who a student will connect with and feel comfortable disclosing private information. That person could be financial aid, bursar, instructor etc. We listen and attempt to help or find someone who is able. Everyday there is some issue that our students encounter that deals with their personal issues.
Tina,
Thank you for this well-worded post.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree! When one thinks they have heard or seen it all, there's always something that comes up which makes you question yourself. I strongly believe every individual in this business should take a psychology course, not just to comprehend your students or co-workers but also how to effectively offer the best advice possible without getting emotionally involved.
Tamara,
Students in career colleges do not usually want to take or see the value in general education courses. As a GE teacher, we have to be very good every day and remember to connect what we are teaching to what the students are hoping to do when they graduate.
Jeffrey Schillinger
At times we are. Typically, 1/3 of our student population are the self-motivated ideal students that educators dream of. The other third of our student population are sometimes older or more worldly experienced and are coming to us for a career change. They usually have been out of school for awhile and need positive re-enforcement to help them along. The last third of our student population have had little to no study skills, real-world life experience or direction in general and have come to our school to see if they have a passion for what we are teaching. Each of these 3 types of groups of students will struggle and stumble along the way. Many times I've been either a cheerleader or counselor or have had to redirect some students to positive behavior in order to help them succeed. At times, this can be draining, but when our students shine and blossom, it's so much more rewarding. This is the thought that keeps me coming back to work everyday.
Of course. What ever we believe we become. So many challenges of getting students to succeed is getting them to change their attitude and perception of their circumstances. We have to help them see their can'ts are cans and almost all of the time that its just a mental block.
yes ..guiding our students through active listening and concern goes a long way in the retention process.
Mr. Schillinger,
Love the discussion!
I wholeheartedly agree that in addition to education we are in the “mental health†business. As Director of Student Operations I have frequent contact with students. Often a student will come into my office and vent for 10-15 minutes. I actively listen and might even offer some encouragement, but many times a student will just thank me for listening. Obtaining an education is stressful. Students have to sacrifice their time away from family, jobs, recreation, etc. Trying to image a brighter future can be difficult when you are tired, mentally drained, financially strapped and uncertain if you can achieve what you set out to do. It is our role in education to remind students of why they chose to enroll in school and to remind them of that brighter future. If it were easy…everyone would do it!
Eric ,
This is a good summary of our students and on whet they often need from us. We need to remember we are asking our students to do something quite difficult. Thank you for sharing.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Agree. I have experienced how my "suggestions" does affect them deeper than just regular conversation with other people. Definitely for me their class performance is a gage to their mental state. Beginning of class I do state to not bring personal issues in class/future work environment but I do try my best to mentor and guide them to reach their goal in very careful manner.
Tomoko,
Some individuals may believe that teachers who bring their personal lives into the classroom seem more approachable than teachers who are strictly business. How might you respond to someone with this perspective?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I'd disagree with the statement that we are also in the mental health business. First and foremost, I'm not a qualified or credentialed health care professional so making that determination is something I'm not qualified to do. Additionally, I feel that the above saying implies that our students suffer from a negative health issue and I don't agree with that assessment or evaluation. I personally feel that all of our students have the ability to complete which ever academic programs they choose to take regardless of previous social, emotional, economical, geographical and/or demographical barriers. I think so often our students just lack confidence and support and who, at one time or another, hasn't experienced the exact same thing. Ultimately, I feel by providing a positive, proactive environment mixed with a customer oriented philosophy that, that culture can promote individuals to profound success.
As educators, we also monitor the mental health of our students. Students who are not mentally stable will not do well in school therefore will not help our business of educating. Sometimes all it takes to help a student's mental health is talking to them about the situation that is affecting them.
Shannon,
The hang up here may be definitions. In my experience, many students' "mental issues" are based on a lack of self-esteem or on past academic challenges. Providing a strong, supportive environment can address these issues.
Jeffrey Schillinger
David,
We need to be careful to provide "advising" to students and to refer students who need "counseling" to professionals in that field. Some career schools have contracted with counseling services on behalf of their students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
