Helping Students Take Responsibility for Solutions

 

Last week, we looked at the importance of encouraging students as faculty and staff here at NSCC. Although we can support students, it is important to realize that students need to take responsibility as well. Students are the experts on their learning style and their needs. Instead of making complaints, it is important for students to make requests that are respectful, reasonable, and solution-focused. For example, suppose a student was having difficulty copying a PowerPoint presentation quickly enough during the lecture. Instead of complaining to the instructor that he was going too fast, the student could ask “would it be possible to post the PowerPoint on NS Online?” Another solution could be bringing a recorder to class. By focusing on solutions instead of problems, students can be more likely to succeed. One workbook for people with ADHD asks the student to list all the benefits of complaining and blaming. (The authors are making the point that there are none.) Then the workbook asks the student to list the benefits of focusing on what you can control and taking action. Hopefully that would encourage more response!