I totaly agree with your perceptions. The psychology applied to loneliness and fear can be a make or break strategy. I try to tell every student before they leave my office that they are "not alone"; and that they can always come to me with any of their concerns. Also, I want them to know I will talk, and help them without judgment.
Douglas Stewart
Nashville, TN
I always tell students that I am a "Go To" guy. I tell them if they have any issues with the school, to see me and I will go to bat for them.
I want them to feel reassured that they have someone they can go to. Additionally, I make sure they are aware of the support systems we have in the school to help them with their school experience.
Dave Back
Exton, PA
I always strive to communicate to students that I am a go to guy, such that if they have any issues with school, come see me and I will help them out.
The students really appreciate the support.
This sounds like a wonderful format. I experienced a similar one in one of my graduate courses years ago. People are much more comfortable telling others answers to questions rather than pontificating about themselves (at least most people do).
Susan
Dave--
I LOVE the 'grad preview' terminology. Definitely sets the right tone. Your format looks great as well.
Susan
Jim--
Excellent point. Fear is caused by the unknown and worry about what's possible rather than reality. If we, as you point out, eliminate the unknown fear should be greatly reduced or completely taken away.
Susan
Hi Sarah,
Typically my first day of class is the bonding session. We take a considerable amount of time trying to get to know one another. I have a list of 15 - 25 questions the students used to interview someone they do not know in the classroom. The student then has to introduce that person to the entire class.
One of the goals is to learn they all have something in common with one another. So we are all equal for day one.
Lastly, I let them all know that I am here to assist them as well.
We hold several new student orientations (Grad Previews) prior to the start of our academic sessions. We do many different things to address student fears including:
1. Have all the staff introduce themselves and explain briefly what they do so the student can put a face to the name.
2. Tell the students about the different tutoring labs and the availability of tutors.
3. Give each student the name and contact information of their mentor and what the mentor will do for them.
4. Do group activities that help the student understand that working with other students helps. Encourage them to meet others.
5. Have a current student address the session about what it's like to be a college student. What they should expect.
6. We hold a general session first and then break out into their academic programs where the student meets with their program coordinator and learns more about the requirements of the specific major.
The registrar, deans, program coordinators, etc. are available throughout the program to answer individual questions, adjust their schedule and so on.
Student fears are numberous but not valid. If we do a good job in educating and performing customer service, then there should not be much student fears. Student fears only occurs when students don't know what is going on and have no idea as far as the future holds. When we address these problems, then these problems should not exist.
we no longer handle this, they now fall under someone else for this.
Bonnie--
This is really excellent...I love that you are just getting that information out there and asking them to plan ahead for the 'worst case scenario'...you are correct, some or all will certainly happen! Great that they are thinking about resolutions prior.
Susan
Do you mean a mentor? A specific instructor assigned to a student for assistance?
We talk to our new students about "Plan B", what to do when everything goes wrong, because this usually always happens. It makes the students think about what they would do if their babysitter cancels, if their car won't start, if their children are sick. We also talk to them about mentoring. Our new students are all assigned a faculty mentor for their first quarter. I think that this eases the students fears because they have a name and a face to go to with any problems or fears that they may have.
On the first night of class I spend some time going over expectations, dress code, how and when to turn in assignments. However, I spend even more time allowing the students to bond with each other. I also give a easy A quiz which allows them to tell me what I can do to help them be successful, what do they need to do to ensure their own success, and what do they need to do when they feel overwhelmed or frustrated. As well as what is their biggest concern about the class.
Stanley--
This sounds like a great format for orientating students to your class. I especially like how you make sure students understand what they will be doing an your availability. Letting them know there is assistance is very important.
Susan
This would not be an official orientation, but orientation to my class. The first thing that I do is to let students know what they are to be doing in the class; I also make sure that I let them know that I am available most times during the day and exactly where I will be. Sometimes, we do introductions to help the students become acquainted with each other, and then the learning activity for the first day is something that is planned so that as many students as possible will be successful. Sometimes, I will have them do it as a group. Sometimes, during the day (depending on the class), I talk about what I have found that students worry about in the class. sometimes, I will get the students to open up about their concerns.
We speak about their fears and expectations.
We also discuss counseling, and what services the schools offers.
They enjoy knowing what the tutoring hours and days are.
I have the students talk about themselves and what career goals they currently have.
