Basic counselling to students

Students in the classroom may not always be of the same background, such as; financial situation, learning ability, and social behaviour.

Even though we are not counsellor, our responsibility is to ensure students are learning in an environment they are comfortable with. Here are few ways you can consider if you are faced with a similar situation.

1) During class interactions, I will always interact with students to see if they require any help. I will show interest in their work and provide ways to improve.

2) I will first establish myself as approachable so anyone who has an issue can look for me. As long as you have the heart for your students, they can feel it

3) Being approachable, students will enquire about matters like

• their projects

• how to cope with studies

• questions about their future

• how to use equipment and tools in the lab

4) When they approach me, I will ask questions to gather information about their issue, so I can plan how to help them. Active listening is important here. Most importantly, I need to let them know I am not a professional counsellor but can help provide solutions or direction for them.

5) If the situation is not within my capability, I will seek a professional counsellor/mentor to assist this student. Definitely, after convincing and having the permission from the student.

6) I will also identify weaker students or those who always sits alone. Then, speak to them and see if they need help. I will also take this chance to encourage them to study and work as a group to improve their results. This is more important for tertiary students as most works are project-based, and tutorial questions are hard to solve alone.

7) Some issues that occur to students might be;

• Working part-time to pay for school fees causing them to not do well in school

• Relationship issue with partner, friend or family

• Not doing well in school but have tried their best

8) For occasion when I approach student to speak to them is when;

• They often sleep through the class without learning

• Absent from class

• Often not being punctual

• Out of norm behaviors such as being hot-tempered and demanding with classmates

It is important to understand concerns the students may face and encourage interaction amongst them through group-based discussions.

This enables active thinking, communicating, and voicing any concerns that help them clarify any doubts.

For weaker students, I will help them to identify their learning styles, and work based on their needs. For example, for a visual learner, he/she may understand better when presented with pictures, diagrams or mindmaps.