THE C.A.R.E METHOD OF ADVISING How to Retain and Motivate Online Students

Amber Artiaga, MBA Graduate Academic Advisor Dr. Toby Spiegel Associate Dean/Academic Advisor

Learning Objectives  Characteristics of online students.  How technology competences affect motivation.  Strategies that are specific and uniquely relevant to online learners.

Technology Competencies and Motivation  Punctual Technical Support Assistance.  24 hour confirmation of receipt of assignments or s.  Clearly written assignment instructions.  Sample Assignments.

The ‘C’ in C.A.R.E. Method  The C in the care method stands for Connect.  Building Rapport is critical in the early stages of advising with online learners since face to face contact is rare.  The degree of connection will dictate the advisors ability to influence learner behaviors that will lead to successful degree completion.

‘C’ in the Online Environment  Review of Personal Statement/ Admissions Notes  Personal Introduction s.  SMART Plan Invite  Phone Calls  Skype for Business Video Conferencing  Conversational/text tone s  Intentionally referencing last phone call /  Disruptive Advising Model

The ‘A’ in C.A.R.E Method  The A in the care method stands for Address.  Addressing questions and concerns just the tip of the ice-berg. It is critical to address seen behavior. Online learners must feel noticed.  Make sure online advisees know there success and challenges are being noticed. This builds both rapport, accountability and expectation.

‘A’ Online Environment  Questions & concerns addressed through, phone, , Skype for Business.  Review of Advisee progress and Mentor feedback.  Congratulations s/phone calls on good grades.

‘A’ Online Environment ( Cont.)  Statements like:  “I see you received an A in your last assignment, well done!”  “ I really appreciate how you are turning in your assignments on time, great job!”.  “I noticed its been a while since you turned in an assignment, what do you think is your biggest challenge?”

The ‘R’ C.A.R.E Method  The R stands for Relate.  Relate is different than connecting or rapport building. Connection and rapport building takes place in the early stages of the advising relationship. To relate to advisees the relationship between advisee and advisor must move past this stage and move to a deeper connection where the advisee feels their burdens both personal and academic are shared.

‘R’ Online Environment  Be prepared to tell your story. Tell about a time that you had to overcome an academic adversity or came across a similar situation.  Sharing your story makes the advisor more relatable, allows the advisee to know difficulties are normal, and creates deeper trust within the advisee/advisor relationship.  Finally, sharing your story makes you a lifeboat in what can be a very isolating online environment.

The ‘E’ C.A.R.E Method  The E stands for Evoke.  Webster’s Dictionary defines Evoke as ones ability to bring something to mind. Evoke also means to bring something to mind to cause a particular reaction or response to happen.  This is more than “ you can do it!” Don’t just be a cheerleader the motivation will be short lived.

‘E’ Online Environment  Ask open ended questions.  “ What keeps you going?”  “ How did you feel about the feedback you received”  “ How did you interpret that situation?”  Dig deeper, ask follow up questions and elicit further thought.  “ Tell me more about…”  “How so?”  “ What’s an example of”  Look forward  “ How will this program change your career opportunities?”

Amber Artiaga, MBA Graduate Academic Advisor (712) Dr. Toby Spiegel Associate Dean/ Academic Advisor (714)