「導師，就是與學生保持對等、互相尊重的關係，尤以建立信任感為首要！」擔任15年導師的蔡文鈞老師篤定地說。深厚的信任關係，讓學生總在第一時間主動找上他，不定期的關心，但剛好在恰當的時間，像是考試前後需要鼓勵時，寒暑假期的噓寒問暖。「順應時代update交流平台，保持不經意的關心、不刻意的關注，從同儕間熱絡的互動，就可以觀察到學生真實的狀況，」蔡老師分享與學生相處之道的小技巧。
“A mentor is to maintain an equal and mutually respectful relationship with students, especially with building the sense of trust as the top priority!” Professor Tsai who has served as a mentor for the past 15 years said confidently. It is the deep trusting relationship that makes students always actively seek him out promptly. His caring every now and then often comes at the right moments, such as when encouragements are needed before and after exams, as well as showing care during winter and summer breaks. “Keep up with the times to update the communication platforms; maintain casual care and unintentional attention, and the true status of students can then be observed through the enthusiastic interactions among peers”, Professor Tsai shared a little tip on how to get along with students.
暢通聯繫及溝通管道 老師隨時stand by
新生入學時蔡老師便分享所有聯繫資訊，「把握每個學生需要我的機會，他們有問題尋求協助時，回應與處理方式要讓學生感受到十足的誠意。」他透過班級LINE群組與學生即時分享課程、活動與學習資訊。從完全不懂如何申請Instagram，到現在擁有每位學生的帳號並關注好友圈，瞭解生活狀況與交友關係，增進與學生的熟悉度與信任感。不同於「公私分明」的師長，蔡老師看著手機裡的群組數、IG好友數越來越多，反而為此感到驕傲。
有一種幸福是當學生有需要時，而學生知道蔡老師隨時都在！為了跟學生更親近，蔡老師所安排的小組聚餐，地點更偏好使人放鬆的校外場所，有別於教室給人的嚴肅感。他認為在輕鬆的用餐過程，才能深入傾聽每位學生分享生活與學習的點滴，透過閒聊的方式讓學生放下防備，觀察彼此的互動，就可以感受班級氛圍，有助於掌握輔導的重點。
面對升學壓力或就業競爭，蔡老師除了分享個人經歷與想法，邀請應屆研究生與畢業的學長姐暢談推甄、應考與就業的心得，適時安排諮商中心的專業測驗或講座，讓學生能夠發掘個人特質並找到發展的方向。他平時就蒐集各項考試、留學與證照的資訊，為的就是即時提供給學生充分的資訊，作為加強準備與選擇的參考。面對來自不同家庭背景，以及不同的學生問題，擔綱家長與學生溝通的橋樑，需要更多耐心與用心，分寸上的拿捏更要恰到好處。
Smooth channels for contact and communication where the professor is always on standby
Professor Tsai would share all contact information upon new students’ enrollment, he said: “I seize every opportunity when the students need me, when they have issues and seek assistance, my response and handling approach should make them feel my utmost sincerity.” He promptly shares courses, activities, and learning information with students via the class LINE group. From not knowing how to apply for an Instagram account at all to having every student’s account while following their friend circles, understanding the status of their lives and friendships, thereby enhancing familiarity and trust with the students. Unlike teachers who separate their personal and professional lives, Professor Tsai feels proud as the number of groups and IG friends on his phone continues to grow.
There is a type of happiness that comes from students knowing that Professor Tsai will always be there when they are in need! In order to become closer to students, Professor Tsai arranges group dinners at more relaxing venues outside of the campus, which is different from the serious atmosphere that the classroom makes people feel. He believes that only through a relaxed dining process can he listen deeply to each student share their life and learning experiences, to make students let their guard down through the approach of having casual conversations, allowing them to observe each other’s interactions, and sense the class atmosphere, which is beneficial for him to focus on key areas for guidance.
When faced with the pressures of further education or job competition, Professor Tsai would not only share his own experiences and thoughts, but would also invite recent graduates and alumni to talk about their insights on graduate school admissions, exams, and employment, as well as arrange professional assessments or workshops from the counseling center as needed, thereby enabling students to discover their personal characteristics and find their direction for development. He gathers information on various exams, study abroad opportunities, and certifications routinely so that he can provide students with timely and sufficient information to enhance their preparation and as valuable references for their options. Acting as the communication bridge between parents and students from diverse backgrounds and the various student issues requires more patience, care, and a delicate balance in order to handle situations appropriately.
發掘學生與生俱來的「天份」 當個雪中送炭的配角
學生在課業之外所展現出活潑、有主見的特質，讓蔡老師印象深刻。每年企管之夜是展現學生創意活力，以及凝聚班級向心力的機會，蔡老師利用課後時間參與排練與演出。他也帶領學生進行創意商品發想，更榮獲全國商業管理與創新競賽第二名的好成績。用聆聽代替說教，扮演好鼓勵、協助與解惑的角色，「我尊重每位學生擁有屬於自己的『樣子』，因為他們才是主角，這世界需要他們去突破！」蔡老師滿足之情溢於言表。
近期受新冠疫情影響減少與學生面對面相處的機會，對於每屆學生能聚首在一起共度四年的緣份，更要好好對待及把握這份情誼。「學生單純、直接的想法，從他們身上獲得許多溫暖、正能量等無形回饋，都是非常寶貴，並不是我單方面的付出心力！」蔡老師用「有趣」來形容導師的工作，「託這角色的福，可以交到一群年輕又活力滿滿的朋友，不以成為學生的明燈、指引為目標，只想讓他們明白發揮所擁有的特質、專長就是成功。」他有感而發的說。
Discovering students’ innate “talents” and be a supportive role that enhances their natural abilities
Professor Tsai is deeply impressed by students who show lively and strong-minded qualities other than academics. The annual Business Management Night demonstrates students’ creativity and vitality, serving as an opportunity to foster class cohesion. Professor Tsai would spend after-school time participating in rehearsals and performances. He also led students in brainstorming creative product ideas, which further accomplished an outstanding result as second place in the national Business Management and Innovation Competition. He listens instead of lectures and plays the roles of encouragement, assistance, and clarifier. “I respect each student for who they are because they are the central characters, and this world needs them to break through!” Professor Tsai’s satisfactory expression is beyond words.
Opportunities for face-to-face interactions with students have been reduced due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Tsai indicated the importance of cherishing and making the most of the bond that allows students of each year to come together and spend four years together. “The students have simple and direct thoughts, where a lot of intangible feedback from them such as warmth and positive energy are extremely precious, showing that I am not the only one putting effort into this relationship!” Professor Tsai described mentoring as an “interesting” job, he said: “With the blessings from this role, I got to make friends with a group of young and energetic individuals. My goal is not to be a light or a guide for students; I merely want them to understand that making good use of their own qualities and strengths is the key to success.” He spoke from the heart.
