Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Garry-- Excellent idea. The more 'real' we can make the experience the better. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Sharing Student Information

Raul-- Absolutely correct. Adult students typically make the decision to return to school because there is some sort of 'point of pain' in their lives spurring them to make a change. Keeping that decision-factor in their mind does provide them with incentive to complete their program. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Indawati-- Great points...especially given your subject area. Math, as you know, is one of those courses that students avoid at all costs as a rule and many have a math-phobia. Reinforcing that what they are learning in your class has very practical application to what they will need to do on the job is another great way to provide a little extra motivation on the subject. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Tim-- Excellent point and well taken. Faculty defintely need to set the tone and lead by example. Greeting your students as they arrive is also a nice touch. So many faculty like to make a 'grand entrance' just as the class is supposed to begin. Funny how we don't like it so much when students do that :) Love the cell phone visual! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Diana-- That's an awesome 'welcome'! Your orientation sounds very personal. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Daisy-- Exactly and that's great you do this on a one-on-one basis. Students who are fearful don't want to address it openly and a personal conversation can be very reassuring to them. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Excellent. You are so correct, financial aid is a group that hears a lot of not-so-pleasant feedback. Lots of rules and regulations which they can do nothing to change, but have to enforce. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Daisy-- That is an excellent point and often overlooked. Structure is way more important, even for adults, than we often think. Great observation. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Jennifer-- This is a great idea! Not only do you get a feel for each individual student, but it causes them to do some realistic evaluation of their skills as well. This is an important skill in itself! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Tim-- That is true and wonderful that you thoroughly review the course content and expectations. You are absolutely correct, sometimes they let their imagination go so far that they create a totally unrealistic perception of the course. Spending time as you do is well spent! Susan