We are doing several things, First we make sure everyone has had a tour of the campus so they know where every thing is, second we introduce the staff and faculty and let them talk about what they do/teach, third we have the students introduce them selves and talk about who they are and where they came from etc, fourth we cover what is expected of them at school and what they can expect from us. We also have the student services director come in and talk to the students about what services we and the surrounding community can offer.
Maintaining that relationship throughout the student's tenure at your school is imperative. It keeps connections maintained and the "door open."
I teach online only am not certain whether our online only students receive orientaiton in the conventional sense.
Information is critical and is usually absorbed at different rates. Although we "talk" about the resources that are available, we also include handouts with multiple agencies that can be looked to for assitance in all matters so the students have a quick reference list at a later point.
Katianne--
While you might not know the particulars, it certainly sounds like you do a great job of reaching out and engaging your students. That certainly is a challenge online.
Susan
I actually am fairly unfamiliar with the orientation process. As an on-line instructor, I have a new course every five weeks with approximately 35 students, and my main goal would be to take over where hopefully the orientation left off so that students don't feel suddenly overwhelmed and alone. I try to be there for them by being very flexible and by sending personal emails when assignments are late to find out if there is anything I can help them with.
I suppose it would be helpful for me to find out more about what is offered in orientation so I can do my part better!
Patrice--
Providing students with instructor contact information prior to the course start is an excellent idea. Great job!
Susan
Providing students with mentor information as well as making students aware of our student services department. We Provide them with the contact information of there instructors so they may express any course concerns before classes begin.
Claudia--
I like your 'success if a journey' analogy in the classroom. It let's students know that they have multiple opportunities to demonstrate they have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. We all need to remember that when things don't go our way!
Susan
Letting students know success in a class is a journey. It takes focus to reach the goal of a good grade. I let them know that instructors have office hours and are here to help them. Also, I tell them about free tutoring offered by the school and library hours.
We are using a current student to give their experiences. we are allowing the students to interact with one another and meet faculty and staff.
Richard--
I like the idea of students building support groups among themselves. This is a great additional support network and they often help to retain each other.
Susan
Patricia--
Sharing your personal story is a great way to let students know that you are human and they are not alone in their struggles.
Susan
Susan--
Excellent! There is something special about allowing students to get up and move around that reduces the 'jitters' as you point out. Do you have specific activities that are effective?
Susan B
The past three quarers, I have also been asking the students to write their name, phone number, and email down on two separte pieces of paper. Then once written, give it to one of their fellow students to obtain notes and develop study groups. Instills some of my expectations, and they learn to rely on each other for support. No complaints so far.
During first day of class I always give alittle information about myself to students. I took me over 20 years to complete my education because of life issues. I tell students my door is alway open when they feel life will take them out of school. I explain that they have support in there lives and help them find solutions. I then go over the rules and guidelines for the course. We then introduce ourselves and give information about one thing that has brought them to school and an outside interest. Students then find others who are similar.
We've recently revised our orientation presentations to include a variety of activities. The students no longer sits and listens, but we try to have them participate and engage with fellow students. Not all staff are present, but students begin to learn who is who amongst the administrative and support staff. We've found that they enjoy the "doing" and like the opportunity to interact with one another and different staff members. This helps with some of the jitters that come with being new on the first day of a quarter.
I think students are most fearful of the unknown. They have uncertainties about their instructor, the course, and their peers. So, I always begin my new courses with an ice-breaker. I write a couple of questions on the board which all students have to answer. Then we go through the questions out loud. The questions are about them, their like, dislikes, interests, where they were born, how many siblings they have, what is an interesting fact about them, etc. I find once students find some "common ground" they open up and relax...
I always let the new students know that I am not the quickest to grasp new concepts and info and that if they have a question, it is very likely that other students have the same question.
Patricia - This is great information! I think one of the biggest retention tools in college is to get the students to bond with each other and to a certain extent bonding with the instructor. Understanding their fears and expectations are also helpful. Keep up the good work!
Dave
