During an advising or counseling session, what should the educator do first?

In an advising or counseling session, recognizing positive performance first is crucial because it establishes a supportive environment. Acknowledging what the student is doing well enhances their confidence and encourages openness. When students feel valued for their strengths, they are more likely to engage in the conversation effectively, making it easier to discuss areas of concern and improvement. This positive reinforcement creates a foundation for more constructive dialogue, allowing the educator to build rapport and trust with the student.

Once the educator has recognized positive performance, they can then transition into identifying issues or setting goals for the session, but starting with positive recognition sets a collaborative tone that can lead to more effective outcomes.