Supporting ELT Members Who Have Become Less Communicative
When a student becomes quieter or disengaged over time, it’s a signal to act. Use these steps, collected by various items on ACSResources, to re-engage, support, and potentially reassign the student effectively.
Clarify Their Upcoming Tasks
- Create a clear and concise Task Plan detailing what needs to be done, deadlines, and expected outcomes.
- Set transparent benchmarks, empowering the student with clarity and reducing ambiguity.
- Ensure subcommittees are accountable and supported.
Assign a Support Point Person
- Make sure there is a designated Lead or Advisor who monitors progress and serves as a first point of contact.
- Event Leads should delegate responsibilities while continuing to offer support.
Check In Through One-On-One Conversations
- Schedule a friendly, low-pressure meeting to ask how they’re feeling, what challenges they’re facing, and what support they need.
- Personal communication is vital to prevent members from slipping through the cracks and one-on-one outreach beyond group meetings is key.
- We recommend not making any assumptions as why a student is not engaged. They are learning, and it always helps to try and support them in the process of learning to lead.
Other Role Adjustment if Needed
- If communication and task progress remain limited, propose transitioning them into a team captain role or other position that’s less intensive but still valuable.
- This approach follows the principle of Episodic Volunteer roles for those who may not commit fully but still want to contribute.