I took an online class a couple of semesters ago and I was really struggling with a final paper topic. Or not so much the topic as how to make it work within the course subject. The prof offered to chat over the phone with anyone in this dilemma, so I booked a time. We chatted, but I got off the call still feeling like I had no idea what I was going to write. Struggled for another few days, then booked another time with the prof. And got off the phone again without too much direction. I didn’t feel as though I had gotten much direction from the calls, but at the same time, they didn’t feel like I had wasted my time. I have had calls with other profs that weren’t helpful, but this was different. And I think it was because a) the prof took the time to talk and would have for more calls if I had requested it and b) she was never dismissive of my idea. Sure, she didn’t give a ton of direction, but she asked me questions that made me realize what I *wasn’t* going to do with this paper. She didn’t just tell me why I shouldn’t do what I was planning, but she helped me get on the right track nonetheless.
The keys/effective practices were that the prof was very engaged and available, she didn’t tell me what to do or what not to do, and I felt very ‘heard’. I don’t think I would change anything about this experience.
Intro: Hi! I’m Kirsten, my pronouns are she/her. I have been a lab facilitator for over 10 years at a Lower Mainland college and I am very happy to be expanding my teaching experience to TRO OL.