I like your message and use something similar to this each week as the new modules open. I also have used some one-on-one to encourage the student to communicate as often I am not sure what may be going on in their life.
We have advisers for our students who act as the first line of communication when it comes to personal issues versus course issues, so sometimes the lines of communication are not as direct as may be helpful to the instructor.
Understanding the need for student privacy I have no problem with the advisers role, just that there are many loops in the student communication trail that sometimes impacts the timeliness and quality of communications between student and instructor.
Bruce,
Right on. Clear and concise are two of my favorite "C" words. For students to start off on the right foot, they have to understand where they are going. Thanks for your input.
I like this a lot! it is clear and concise. very easy to understand. sets goals and expectations.
Thanks for sharing.
Sharon,
Super. It's fun to get excited about what we are doing. . .called to do. Take care.
This is a wonderful approach. Your excitment as an instructor get me excited as a student. Well said.
Mahmoud,
Good point. Students do need reminding. We all do. :-/. Thanks for your input.
I use the same type of communication. However, each week I remind them of the remaining time.
Linda,
Very good. Getting the students involved from the very beginning is important. It is good to encourage them.
Thanks.
I reach out to students that are not involved in the class within the first week. I will welcome them to the class and mention that I have not seen them begin their coursework. Often times it is because they are unfamiliar with the ELS they are working in and I will ask their advisor to assist with the mechanics needed for them to submit their assignments.
Brian and Rodney,
thanks for continuing the conversation and sharing ideas we can all use. I love it when we learn from these forum. Thanks again.
Hi Rodney,
This is a great idea. I do a similar thing myself. In fact, a core element of my teaching strategy is to engage the delinquent & struggling students early. I also try to pass along hints throughout the week to help students with their homeworks.
I also an employ a strategy to encourage early submissions by commenting on student work and allowing them to correct. This improves performance and submission rates.
Best,
Brian Stout
Zara,
It's a part of developing that relationship. Buiding a community of learners is important.
Dr. Thomas,
Yes, I'm a front loader and have everything necessary to complete the course uploaded a week in advance of the start date. I encourage students during that week to become familiar with the course before it even starts. This helpful and is introduced in my welcome email/announcement posting.
Great to reach out to the student. Teacher contact does help a student succeed!
I send welcome message to all students a couple of days before the class starts. If they do not post by the second day of class I sent another welcome note....usual that will do it.
Virginia,
It's worth the big reward. Thanks for doing this and being proactive when students are not participating. It's good to be proactive and not reactive.
We have been provided phones and actually call students. Quite a chore but big rewards.
Geri,
Right on. We have to be proactive and not reactive in our teaching.
Thanks again for your input.
It is important to reach out to the students early on because you don't know if there were extenuating circumstances that led to the student not participating
Kimberly and Denise,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. The Policy and Procedures Email is an excellent idea. Thanks for sharing that. We can learn so much from this.
