Tri-Semesterly Counseling
Students are now counseled not once but three times a semester. This gives the students and me an early idea of their aptitude, performance, tumbling points, and areas of interest. Additionally, it provides a positive introduction that will encourage students to bring questions, suggestions, or issues they may have to me directly as the semester progresses.
The second mid-semester counseling assesses how their initial plan for success progresses and maps out their position in their newly appointed squad, where they have a specific role or task. I again answer any questions they may have and encourage them to speak with me or their squad captain should they have any special needs or requests. Their performance is analyzed, and their completion of quizzes, reports, etc. Are reviewed. If students are behind on the course material, we devise a plan to effectively complete by the next counseling session.
The third and final counseling session ensures the students are aligned and poised to complete the course successfully. Again, students have an opportunity to speak directly with me, and I can coach them to perform at their best on the final exam and final skills.
These counseling sessions have proven highly valuable. Provided that the student-to-instructor ratio remains manageable, I foresee this being included in all courses going forward. The benefit is immeasurable, and many students commented on it both personally and in evaluations.
