How would you work with a student who regularly missed class?
In all school settings, absence from class can significantly hinder a student's overall education. As students age, the propensity for students to begin missing classes increases significantly. In this role as an Academic Support Coordinator, you may have to deal with struggling students who aren't prioritizing the importance of being in class regularly. While your interviewer knows that you can't be their alarm or chauffer each day, they want to hear that you can provide some motivation and inspiration to students who aren't prioritizing showing up to class. As you answer, speak from the viewpoint of inspiration and let your interviewer know what you would say to students in this situation and whether you would take a blunt and straightforward approach or an empathetic approach.
"If I found out that a student was missing class simply because they were sleeping in or having fun, I would be pretty direct about the consequences of missed lectures, assignments, and tests with that student. While I realize that college is the first time in a lot of student's lives where they have responsibility for their daily actions, being direct would be the best way for them to realize that missing even a few classes when not sick or taking care of something more important could negatively impact their grade."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
It is important to be direct with students and explain the dangers of poor attendance. I could share personal experiences with them to further validate where I am coming from.
Jaymie's Feedback
These are good strategies. It's also important to get to the root cause of what's causing their absence and offer assistance in overcoming challenges they may be having.
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