Many times this is true. Not very often do I see students that have a clear target on their future career goals and can stay focussed on the prize. More often than not you need to help students keep their head in the game; many times the events of the day can be overwhelming and they cam wind up shooting themselves in the feet without the reminders of why chosen this path and where the path will eventually lead them.
Neal,
Very good points. They have to feel that they can trust you and make a connection. Explaining "why" is very important.
Lindsey,
This is very true. Sometimes we don't really need to say anything to help a student. They may just need someone to listen to them.
I can see what they mean by "mental health" but I think its a subset of the overall educational experience students receive and we provide. I would not put it out there as the core of our business but one of the parts of our business to consider and ensure we act on throughout the student experience from the time they come in to being alumni and then training staff to be more cognizant of their roles with their customers.
We are a technical school but we do much more than just teach technology. Students are taught skills that will help them obtain and retain employment. Some of these things are actually part of the curriculum, such as being graded on a professional attitude, showing up to class on time etc.We also do plenty of emotional hand holding to ensure the students success.
I agree. We are not only responsible for teaching the students but also for counciling and mentoring them.
I agree, Mental health business yes. We have to take these students and mold them into what they are to become.
I agree that we are also in the mental health business, albeit not as formal counselors. I believe it is inherent as Instructors to counsel our students and help them break what I call a "circle of ignorance". I feel this is very similar to HABE's. We need to make the students realize how past behaviors and influences have shaped their self-esteem and belief in their chances of success.
Christopher,
You are correct, this is only part of our business. We are in the "mental health" business from the stand point of everyone comes in with "baggage" of some kind. We assist them in learning the soft skills needed to obtain the career they want in their lives.
David,
Good Point. Simplying teaching our subject matter is not enough. We also need to mentor the way of life for them to be successful.
Yes, I believe professors in the business of education also serve as "mental health" personnel. However, as stated by Dr. Pace (Dec. 21), they should do so in the roles of the 3 M's as life skill and socialization role models, rather than 'true' mental health specialists. It is important for professors to recognize their limitations and not cross the theraputic line with their students. When I say not cross the theraputic line, I don't necessarily mean because they are not skilled in that area, but because it can make it difficult for the professor/student relationship from that moment on. Knowing personal details about a student, especially those that tug upon heart stings or step on a nerve, can skew the way a professor may treat the student or cause the student to feel singled out by the professor. That said, it is also important for a professor to notice and check upon inconsistent behaviors of their students that they may make recommendations for the student to speak with a counselor or other individual skilled in the student's area of need. This can often be difficult to accomplish without prying too much into the student's need. A professor has to have a caring and an intelligent heart!
agree. I was hired as a Instuctor.It has become more than discussing tires,and oil. But there is satisfation when you can help a student and direct them to there goals.
Excellent response Lou. I can see that you have a good grasp on this whole mental health piece. Thanks for your clarity.
Joe
Thank you Dr. Pace. I appreciate the complement.
The reality is, yes, we are. Students need the right mentoring to overcome many obstacles on their way to success. Knowing the mental make-up each student supports our need to be qualified as Mental Health Workers.
Education and mentoring go hand-in-hand! We all wear different hats throughout every day when interacting with students.
I agree because, as educators we have to deal with many different personalities so if we are not mentally equipped, it will be very difficult for us educators to communicate and deal with so many diverse group of people.
I agree to some extent, sometimes we can become help to our students and finding out what the problem is which may have an effect on the education but at times it is out of our hands.
Yes, we are in more than one business. As a teacher my first business is educating my students. My second business is the retention of my students. This requires skills in customer service as well as an understanding of a person's psychological make-up. What are their beliefs, habits, cultural behaviors etc.
You are kidding, right? YES! We become their friends, advisors, molders and sometimes family. As one goes from their home out into the world, we are the closest thing to stability they have. If they are having trouble fitting in, we become their mental health worker. Someone to listen to them and sometimes giving them the best advise we know how. We create a tight bond of trust with students and we are the ones they will seek advice from and there is no way to direct them to someone else. This is without a doubt true.
