The Professors Role in Coaching Students to Problem Solve

Students often come with all types of backgrounds and understandings. Part of the purpose of higher education is to raise the level of problem solving and performance in a way that improves personal and professional growth. We want students that can compete in the global market and obtain meaningful jobs and enriched lives. That takes commitment by faculty.

Sometimes students, like professors, and like business professionals come with good and bad habits. Some students are ready to compete and some need a little more help shoring up their abilities and skills. Higher education is likely one of the last times outside of life and work to help the student.

Coaching is part of the job of developing higher overall performance. Being flexibility also means taking the time to find the right tool to help the student achieve their long term goals.

Some argue that coaching on life skills isn't the professors role that they should not take the time to ask questions and listen. Others argue that it is central to the process of higher education and the development of highly functionable graduates. The debate is still out!

Just like accepting any late paper is not wise it is also not wise to be too restrictive. There is a happy balance where a level of coaching and problem solving for mistakes can be helpful in improving long term performance. Empathy with coaching.

For example coaching on time management helps students move from being reactive to life to being proactive. I'm not immune to the same issues and have a lifetime of solving some big problems for others and myself. 

The business world has shown that proactive problem solving pays dividends in the market (Business, government, and life. Think of all the problems that can be solved when we are proactive on emerging or consistent problems.).

Thus, higher education is about developing the whole individual to contribute meaningfully to their fields and society and that comes from helping students create long-term strategies that lead to their life-career success. We need globally competitive graduates and that comes through professors who care enough to spend enough time to ask questions and encourage student oriented problem solving brainstorming. 

A few ideas:

1.) Connect with students.

2.) Ask questions to find the root of the problem.

3.) Notice patterns

4.) Encourage students to think of long term solutions.

5.) Keep them focused on their goals.

6.) Provide meaningful feedback.