Sink or Swim! How Students and Advisors Navigate the Waves of Change
Introduction
Why use water metaphors to discuss student success?
-Our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico
-Similarities between progress of journey and traveling on water (i.e., navigation or drawn off course)
-Non-linear trajectory of journey with predictable highs and lows
We propose that a student’s perception and response to change affects success.
Sink or Swim Theory/Characteristics of Swimmers and Sinkers
Traits and past behaviors of swimmers and sinkers
-Swimmers are willing to try something new, fail, and then try again.
Perceptions of change among swimmers and sinkers
-Creator/Victim language
-Growth/Fixed mindset
Encouraging Students to move from Sinking to Swimming
Great advisors will recognize Victim/Fixedmindset language and utilize the following tools to invite students to move from fixed mindsets(sinking) to growth mindsets (swimming).
TRANSFORM mindset upon encountering change
EVALUATE capabilities/strengths and seek resources
AFFIRM the student’s effort
MASTER the new skill/behavior
When advisors take a closer look at the tools we have discussed, they will see that we are encouraging them to form a TEAM with each of their students.
Identifying Challenges and Interventions
Plot a student’s journey using the background information provided in the session about three fictional students. Determine some challenges each student might encounter and when it might occur. Also, think about interventions advisors could offer to help the student succeed.The audience will share their results with the group for each student. We will discuss the interventions (safety gear) we as advisors can provide to struggling students.
Self-Care of Advisors
Our focus has been, as it should be, on our students up to this point, but how do we ensure that we as advising professionals don’t find ourselves sinking under the weight of the changes and challenges we face?
Who is on your Swim TEAM?
-You are the captain of this ship. You decide how you will handle change. Evaluate your personal resources and your mindset.
-Identify co-workers and/or supervisors who share your growthmindset.
-Family/Friends are also important. They can be your anchors.
Presenters
Eitandria Gatlin
Counselor/Academic Advisor
San Jacinto College
281-998-6150 x1014
8 years of advising experience
LaDonna Porter
Counselor/Academic Advisor
San Jacinto College
281-998-6150 x1014
20 years of advising experience
Tanya Stanley
Faculty Advisor and College Preparatory Integrated Reading and Writing Professor
San Jacinto College
281-998-6150 x1338
4 years of advising experience
Works Cited
Downing, Skip. On Course: Strategies for Creating Success in College and in Life. Boston: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.
Dweck, Carol. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York: Ballantine Books, 2008. Print.