Erick--
You make an important point about students sometimes not even knowing the right question to ask! Sometimes we just don't know what we don't know.
Susan
Mario--
That is wonderful that you also seek to understand their support network. Having the support of family and friends is very important.
Susan
Robert--
Your concern and efforts to address their fears are exceptional. Congratulations!
Susan
Craig--
Wonderful that you make a strong point about preparing them for their career! That is extremely important to help reinforce their decision.
Susan
Ronald--
The pre-test functionality can be very beneficial for everyone, as you point out. It can also be interesting to students who do not do well since they will know what they will know at the end of the course.
Susan
Stephen--
That is an excellent point and I'm sure your students appreciate that the confirmation that they aren't expected to know it yet!
Susan
Lawrence--
Real world practicality is critical. Students want to know how what they are learning in the classroom will relate to their lives in real ways. Good for you!
Susan
James--
Sounds great! Making things practical is always a good way to promote learning...and having it be fun is a great benefit. People do learn and retain more when they are having fun!
Susan
Jerry--
Great idea! This helps them wrangle their fears and expectations right up front.
Susan
Mohan--
Great! I remember the first test is always a real nail-biter because you never knew what to expect. Going over this in your discussion at the beginning of class is very helpful, I'm sure.
Susan
Joe--
Your addressing your work experience and such a positive attitude about continual learning is a great way to set a very positive tone for your class. Kudos
Susan
Brikell--
All of your efforts sounds like they must really pay off. Great job! I especially like how you balance building credibility with the faculty as well as how you will support the students.
Susan
Humerto--
It certainly sounds like you have an exceptional team there at your institution. Congrats!
Susan
I let my students know that our futures are tied together. Their success is my success. If they succeed, they are likely going to tell people where they got their start and how their education was a solid foundation to their career. Coworkers may also recognize the higher level of abilities that they have and want to know what they can do to get to be as good. This can lead to referrals and future students. I also let them know about the successes of previous student and the prospects of the many job opportunities that await them if they successfully complete their program.
Our orientation employs several methods to help students feel at ease during the orientation process. Students are provided a personal tour of the campus with their admissions rep. The are given the opportunity to meet faculty and current students.
They are provided an opportunity to meet with their Program Director who provides some basic information about their program while allowing students to address any questions or concerns.
New students are provided an opportunity to meet and mingle with other new enrollees to help foster bonds at this early stage of their college experience.
They are provide fact sheets with commonly asked questions and answers.
I always include a question asking session. I make sure the students feel welcome and always address their fears about the classroom. These fears may include not knowing the precise tools needed or even so far as what type of questions should they be asking.
First I introduce myself, and the experenice in my field. I then ask if anyone has any questions. Then I have each student stand give their name, where they work, if they work. What they like to do for fun. Then explain why they desided to attend this school. Then I build on why they came here, and help them expand on their education. We have games that help to study the material, then review the material before testing on it. I try to have hands on things to do that will reinforce the material in the classroom. I then make myself available for anyone who needs extra help.
At the beginning of class i often ask the students questions like what made you want to come here.i ask them about their family and how their family feels about them going to school its sorta a reassurance to help they adentify why they are here.
Addressing student fears comes up consitently in a college setting. I have had students that either start to show fear when they do not understand the class or feel like they do not fit in with other students. I always start off by making my students feel comfortable with me and with their peers. I try and make it feel as if they all already know eachother. Once the students are comfortable with eachother I can make sure that their other fears are taken care of. I handle their fears by making sure they understand all information they receive and by reminding them why they made this choice and what it will do for them in the future. I relate everything in my curriculum to real world experiences so that my students see that none of their time or information received here is a waste.
I ask each individual student quetions about why they are here, what they expect out of this course and any hobbies or other thigns they participate or enjoy doing.
