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 My initial feelings are that a student really has to motivate themselves to succeed. I can be a coach, a mentor, and a friend to them during this process. However, they have to want to succeed and be willing to do what it takes. What do I do? Well, I challenge them and ask them to bring the “right” questions to our meetings. I ask them to challenge themselves, set the bar high, and to always give their all. I use respect as the foundation of this dialogue and try to keep them focused on their mission. This mission (to complete college) is the guiding goal of our relationship.How do I know my efforts are working? Well, I ask students many questions. I ask them to stay focused. I ask them to see the end result of their goals. I have told many first- and second-year students to attend graduation this weekend. They need to visualize their success. This success is created through their efforts. A proactive, developmental adviser can be an important part of their journey. When an adviser “connects” with a student through a respectful approach, then that relationship can create a sense of obligation. Students will attend their appointment, come prepared for the appointment, and gain valuable experience in the etiquette of professional practices. ~ Keith Rocci, The University of Arizona, May 8, 2007 Almost all of the appointments that I see are based on three questions (I frame in different ways, depending on the student):
~ Bill Johnson, College of William and Mary, May 8, 2007 While I might overuse John Dewey, I take to heart my attitudes necessary for working with students for me to be open-minded, wholehearted, and responsible. Through those attitudes comes a sense of caring and concern for the welfare of my students. I know I must be seen as the “good helper,” according to Donald Super. To motivate students, I must be seen as open, honest, and informed. I always start by saying, “let's think big and when you're thinking big, let's think bigger.” Be positive and talk about their highest hopes. It works!~ Barbara K. Wade, Ph.D., Penn State University, May 10, 2007 I do advising based on one principle, “When person succeed, they get motivated.” In first meeting I ask questions about students' liking and disliking about a course and rank courses from easy to difficult. First semester, I recommend them to take easy courses, when they get succeed in those courses, they believe in themselves and me. After that it is easy to motivate them.~ Neeru Deep, Northwestern State University of Louisiana, May 17, 2007 The Mentor is published by Penn State's Division of Undergraduate Studies Available online at www.psu.edu/dus/mentor/ Privacy and Legal Statements | Copyright | © The Pennsylvania State University | All rights reserved | |
