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Goals and Self-efficacy in Persistence
Step 2: Reflect on this research and your practice
Counseling
As you read the following articles, reflect on these questions:
- What did the author in each article do to increase student persistence?
- What impact did this strategy have on persistence? What are some possible reasons for this impact?
- Have you tried a similar strategy? What impact did it have on persistence?
"Beyond the Scope of the Teachers: Deciding to Employ a Social Worker." Nikki Merritt, Miriam Spencer, and Lori Withers, Focus on Basics, Volume 6, Issue A, October 2002. (Opens new browser window. Close it to return.)
Summary:
In response to the complexity and seriousness of issues facing their students, this program hired a full-time social worker to help individuals, families, groups, and communities increase their personal, interpersonal, socioeconomic, and political strength through an empowerment approach. As individual learners and small groups worked with the social worker to set educational, career, and personal goals, improved attendance was noted.
"A Mind/Body/Learning Approach to Counseling: Helping Students Handle Stress. Marjorie Jacobs, Focus on Basics, Volume 6, Issue A, October 2002. (Opens new browser window. Close it to return.)
Summary:
This article describes how one program addresses student counseling and academic needs in an ongoing classroom setting. The instructor describes how she incorporates reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, study skills, and health science content, as well as aerobic exercise, stretching, yoga, meditation, and cognitive restructuring into a "health education class." Jacobs observes improved retention and motivation among learners.
