Your students might have gone through ups and downs in the previous semester, and their study status and academic performance would be affected. It would be a good opportunity to connect with your advisee and help them overcome study difficulties. With the 4-step S.O.A.P advising method below, you will stay organized and cover all necessary issues for making an initial assessment and action plan with your advisee.
- Create a friendly and positive atmosphere, e.g. “I notice there is a study issue recently…”
- Invite your advisee to talk first, e.g. “Can you share with me your status?”
- Hold a “NON-JUDGMENTAL ATTITUDE” to listen your advisee
- Review advisee’s academic background and records in SIS
- Gather the information from your investigation and advisee’s story
- Analyze the root causes of advisee’s study issue, e.g.
- Lack of academic skills (e.g. math, language, computing)
- Lack of interest/ motivation (e.g. student does not put in effort, loss in educational/career direction)
- Lack of effective learning strategies (e.g. time management, ability to prioritize , revision skills)
- Other conditions that interfered with study (e.g. emotional issues, family pressure, social relationships, work, financial difficulties, health and behavior problems)
- Revise and set-up study plan and study habits with your advisee, e.g.
- Provide advice on course registration and/or study load
- Provide advice on study and revision schedule
- Guide advisee to fill in AASO’s “Back-on-Track” plan
- Refer advisee to relevant supporting unit/office according to the nature of her/his issue(s). Click here to access the Referral & Campus Resources.
