First day of class
I have been using this since day 1. At the start of every class I have each person including my old students explain what brought them here. This is a chance to listen and engage our students. It is the key to retention and building the support system.
Do you get students who resist the process of joining the community? These are frequently the students who struggle with the whole culture and are most able to detach [withdraw].
How is it determined who calls a peer when they are absent?
I also do something like this. On the first day, I introduce myself, then they introduce one another. They talk to each other, find out about one another, then introduce those sitting on the right and left. I also have them exchange contact info with one another and when someone is absent, they call one another. I have found this builds a community and they feel accountable to each other and builds a sense of group support.
How well does reality match expectation? Do you retain a record of how well you are doing? Is this information shared with others?
On the first day of class we also ask each student what brought them to the program and the instructor will right it down. Then in their last few days we discuss if there expectations of what they thought they were coming here for were met.
very good points and ideals I will try this in my class.
Great idea, will try this in class!
Great questions, Jose. Do you have them write down the answer for future reference and reinforcement?
Good points, Cheryl. Success is contagious and many of our students don't have much experience with it. The first few days are a critical time for students who lack confidence. Going home with a "win" is a good way to keep them coming back.
Very true.
Why am I here? What's in it for me? Two questions that I ask my students to ponder on orientation day. It makes them look at the future and keep motivated during difficult times.
It is important on the first day of class, new students leave feeling some degree of success or accomplishment. If it is a medical program, let the students experience a skill they will learn and be expected to perform in the work place. Give students a reason to come back each day.
We do something similar online as we have an discussion thread where students are asked to post their bios and state why they are in school and what their educational goals are. This allows the students to begin forming relationships with their classroom peers as well as forces them to put into writing why they are pursuing their education and what their education and, ultimately, their career goals are.
