Guide and Inspire Advising Tips Series II (Feb 2023)

Dr. Jetty Lee: Listen and Understand with Empathy

Sometimes students, especially first year students, are hesitant to seek help from an FAA. They may feel intimidated to talk to a teacher, they may worry about how to pronounce your name, or that only students in trouble have to see a teacher… These passive behaviors in seeking necessary support might hinder adjustment and progress in their studies.

In “The Essentials of Academic Advising” workshop, Dr. Jetty Lee (Faculty, Course Selection & Academic Adviser, Faculty of Science) who wears multiple heads of advising in Faculty of Science, shared the following points with the participants.

1. Do expect that most first year students are scared to see their FAA, and hence ice breaking is important in the first meeting.
2. Start to chat about their non-academic activities first. It will help student relax and shed light on how they adjust in transition to university life.
3. Explain your role and that you are a partner in their journey. Make them feel warm and welcomed.
4. In many student cases, negative emotion is often the cause of undesirable study performance. Listen to their feelings, go with them step by step to find the solution.

Jetty stressed that as an adviser, we should be there for our advisees, and should respond promptly when they reach out to you.

Dr. Vincent Tam: Balance of Life under the Pandemic

In his presentation, Dr. Vincent Tam (Principal Lecturer and Honorary Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering) anchored the sharing of his advising journey on three quotes from Albert Einstein.

“Life is like riding bicycle: in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving”

• During tough times, help students define “small steps” to regain control and keep self-confidence e.g. make a feasible study plan.
• Encourage them to be honest with themselves, and share their circumstances with family members and friends.
• When students feel upset by their poor grades, remind them to maintain “balance” in their life, such as having physical activities, upholding social network, seeking alternate views and balancing the force of attraction to avoid being dragged down by negative emotions.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid”

• Advisers have to trust in students’ abilities, and make them believe in themselves even in times of self-doubt.
• Understand how they feel and empower students to take proactive steps in taking charge of their studies.
• A word of comfort and a small deed of kindness can help students build trust in the adviser and other people in their life later.

“Students are not containers to be filled. But a torch to be light up”

• All students have potentials. It is up to the adviser to inspire them to realize their potential.
• A friendly “How are you?” may brighten up their day and give them warmth and hope.
• Cracking a joke in advising meeting may also lighten things up.

Lastly, Dr. Tam shared Einstein’s another formula with the participants: X (Work) x Y (Play) x Z (Keep your mouth shut) = Success. To him “Z” could mean “Focus” or simply a sense of humour, yet both are important in life.

Professor Amy Chow: Co-creating Hopes during Uncertainties and Adversities

Professor Amy Chow (Head of Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences) introduced various strength-based and positivity strategies through which advisers can empower the advisee to find solutions and hope. Below is a highlight of the strength-based approach:

1. Focus on Strengths and Partnership between the Adviser and AdviseeUnlike approaches that focus on problems and difficulties, the strength-based approach emphasizes the advisee’s strengths/assets and the quality of the relationship between the adviser and advisee in the process of providing support.
2. 7 Advising SkillsAmong the skills she practices, Professor Chow frequently uses “Appreciative Inquiry” to help her anxious advisees recall the coping strategies they previously used which changes the communication into a positive one. In the advising process, advisers may use more well-being statements and foster trust in the relationship by sharing their personal struggles.
3. The R.O.P.E.S. ModelProfessor Chow shared Clay Graybeal’s model to empower advisees in finding a solution: Resources, Options, Possibilities, Exceptions and Solutions. Help advisees explore options, see possibilities, realize that there are exceptions and resources available.

In spite of all the theories and skills she talked about, Professor Chow believes that an empowering conversation is already a good foundation to provide support to your advisees and make them feel positive and hopeful.