I had a student who academically failed undercar – twice, but returned and managed to achieve a passing grade on her third attempt. During her first time in the course I noticed her poor grades and recommended she stay for some tutoring. She declined, and it wasn’t until the end of the course that the reality of her failing grades seemed to get her attention. Unfortunately it was too late to bring her grades up sufficiently to pass.
The very next course she was in my class again. I met with her at the end of the first day and suggested she move to the front of the room to avoid distractions, and again suggested tutoring – proactively this time. She did take my advice and move to the front row, but declined any extra help. I made it a point to stop at her desk every time the students were working on study guides to help her and make sure she had all the correct answers. She still wouldn’t make the effort to stay for tutoring, but she did see that I was making an effort to help her achieve her goals. Unfortunately she failed the second attempt with just a couple grade points higher than her first attempt. This time she stayed after class on the last day to talk with me. She cried, and told me she was thinking of dropping out because she just can’t do this. I told her I was sorry about her grade, but assured her she could do this. It was just going to take a little more work on her part if she wanted it, and again I assured her I would do everything I could to help.
The third time she started asking some questions. Finally! I was glad to see her more interested and actively participating. I made it a point to let her know that, and I still stopped by her desk to help her with study guides, even though she still wouldn’t stay after class. She struggled academically, even managing to fail the same test on six attempts, but there was finally improvement. At the end of the course she achieved a passing grade and had a huge smile. I told her I knew she could do this, and pointed out how giving up last course would have been a mistake. I feel like I helped save her from dropping out. She thanked me, and I suggested that if she finds herself struggling in another course at some point (knowing very well it’s likely) to ask her instructor for help, and I assured her we all want to see her succeed. I’m doubting text based communication could achieve that kind of connection or convey the same encouragement, but I think using the video conferencing tools in GC may help us establish a similar connection with some of the students, provided we can get them to participate.
