In our orientation we let the students know that the skill sets they acquire through our program will put them in a better position when entering the job market. We also advise them about the departments that will help them to prepare a resume and prepare for interviews. We also tell them about our Employment Department that will help them to find employment.
Inssuring the student that they are in the right place for the right reasons and that we are here to help them to succed in their goals here at school. We also make them understand that their success will require that they work hard.
I include a pre test at the beginning of the course to help the students find out where they are at. Two responses, the first is relief for those students who did very well on the test. The second is dread for those who didn’t do so well. The second group I encourage by letting them know that this is a pre test and will not be counted toward there letter grade, I continue to let them know that through study guides and lab time ,to put into practice the skills they have learned that they will be successful . I reassure the students that I am on their side .
I often teach the first course at the Institution I work at, what I like to tell the students is, this course you are in right is set up for a student that does not know anything about the suject that I am about to present, so if you have any concerns about not knowing about the subject, at the end of the presentation you will, so relax. Another thing that I metion is ask questions if you dont understand what I am presenting and I will try to explain it another way that they might understand.
I like to relate to my students my amount of field experience during my introduction and then every opportunity I get during lecture time or lab time I try to make each piece of the subject as "Real World" as possible
Have fun enjoy learning. I break information down so even the most lost student can understand what i am talking about. I bring up the earth and it`s magnetic fields and what it does to protect us when I teach basic electricity
IE- magnetism and it relationship with electricity.
one activity is to take the students straight out to the lab and show them the equipment that they will be using during the course. it looks scary and hard to most,then ask them which is the hardest looking and then show them how easy it is to operate.
Most of the students joining the courses that I teach come with 'test fear' as our tasts are known for noty-so-easy ones.So, I give them a good understanding about the nature of the syllabus and the nature of the tests, without revealing the test questions or the answers in my orientation of the courses. This ,I notice, take a lot of their fears away on the subjects that will be taught and the test that follow.
I always like to start off by adressing myself as to my time working in the field and how at times there is something new to learn from another technician and I use that as an opertunity to learn something new and exciting as well as have fun with it in the process of it. I let them know that this is how we will learn in my class . in a calm and comfortable manner with an open dialog for everyone to feel free to participate .
Our students are a mixture of high school graduates and matured students who have varying needs and fears. To ensure our students fears are addressed we highlight our faculty qualifications, and that they are proven professionals in their subject area, most of our faculty members are employed by leading companies in the community as we run an evening institute, students are able to identify their success. Further we promote student interaction with each other allow them to talk about their expectations and goals, encourage, and address questions. Another key activity in addition to talking about the schools track record is to reinforce our commitment to their support, and success. We also talk about our affiliates, support and our combined years of experience. We tour the facilities with them and ensure a sweet treat is included in the information packet!
As an institution we provide a number of services to help student be successful such as tutoring, ride sharing, part and full time job assistance, flexibility with schedules all from a team committed to student the overall positive experience.
We have many presentations throughout orientation where we discuss the classroom experience, expectations, provide campus tours, talk about what students will need to do on the first day and a presentation by Student Services so that students will feel less fearful. Also, we have all students meet in a large space on the first day and have the faculty present to take them to their first class.
Jennifer--
That is an excellent point about a new 'language'. There are some many terms we use in education that are really truly foreign to most people and we often forget that.
Susan
Lisa--
I think both are important. Obviously, we do need all that required paperwork. Giving the students an opportunity to get to know each other and faculty/staff is also a key to student retention. It breaks down a lot of barriers and fears.
Susan
Donald--
This sounds like a great format, very thorough. I like that you have students introduce themselves so that they can get to know each other.
Susan
I let them know that it is normal to feel somewhat lost at first because with a new education comes a new languauge as well as a new way of thinking.
Remove the unknown with information that they will need to succeed.
I agree, but I fear that we've done something which isn't in the best interest of the student which was to no longer include the admissions representatives in the orientation. After all, these are the folks with whom the students feels most comfortable with and has built the most trust in. I think that this would help to increase the show rate.
I'd also like to add that through this reading, I see the importance of having student representatives that are gender, race and age identifiable by the incoming class.
Well, I don't think that we do do this with our new students. We have them completed a myriad of required paperwork and throw at them alot of policies, etc., but I think that we really need to include more ice breakers and have more faculty and staff involved on the actual day of orientation -- sit down at each table and eat lunch with them.
