Students have problems
Students as well as the Instructors have outside problems. We as instructors cannot bring those propblems to the classroom, nor do we want to. The students will not concentrate or dio well when they have other issues on their minds. We as Instructors need to help them through these times and find a way to keep them in school.
Sometimes it's as simple as a student who needs additional tutoring, but has a transportation problem making it to tutoring sessions outside of normal class time. I try to match them with other students who are already attending tutoring or find one of their friends who is willing to come in a little early.
Everyone has problems. Leave them outside the classroom. When the instructor is focused on his job, (delivering the message, keeping positive energy in the room, keeping a comfortable atmosphere, and making learning fun), he/she will learn the students and they will learn the instructor. It shouldn't be long before the instructor can recognize when a student has something bothering him/her. The instructor should pull the student aside at an appropriate time and try to see if something can be done to coach the student in the right direction. There are times the student might just need to vent. Other times the student may need help, but have no idea where to turn. As an instuctor, you must realize the student may not know to ask for help, may not dare to ask for help, or may not realize there is help for their problem at hand. These people in most cases are young minds that still need to be molded with care and direction. They may not realize the programs that are available to help. It is our job to help them stay focused on the goal, successfully completing the program they signed up for. At times as an instuctor I have had to do many things that are not in my job description. I'm here to help these people. Why would I stop helping at the classroom door when the bell rings?
Thomas,
I have not yet met students who have the ability to totally leave their problems outside the classroom.
I think we have a responsibility to help students with their problems. Many of them are away from home for the first time and don't have family support close by. They look to us as Instructors with experience in life to help them in their time of need.
Thank you for this post, Joseph.
What are some of the typical issues you help students deal with? What are the toughest to help them address?
Some of the easier issues we deal with would be helping the student borrow safety glasses for lab or helping them find the proper uniform shirt for class. These items are for sale at the campus store but usually other students will help them out. The harder issues seem to be helping the students with housing or finding a job.There are departments that help students do this but I always ask the class first since the students are more receptive with thier classmates than they are with someone from a department they don't know.
i try and listen to what the student is having problems with. Not to try and solve the problem but sometimes just listening to them is enough.
I agree that this is the best way to work with students who have issues. Being their savior does not set a good example for them and certainly does not aid in learning. I feel sometimes in teachers put themselves too far out there when it comes to trying to help students with their personal issues.
It is impossible for students to leave their problems outside the classroom. It is part of teaching to help the students not only understand the lesson you are trying to get across, but also helping the students to cope with their problems and give them the information of other community resources which will also help them.
Mignonne,
Thank you for recognizing the fact that students cannot separate themselves from life's issues when they are in class. Sometimes teachers expect that separation.
Jeffrey Schillinger
