how do I make the orientation fun and interesting?
Orientations are meant for providing important information to students but how does the institution make this event fun and interesting so students are satisfied with their choice
I like the question game and can think of several questions right now to get each student on a friendly basis which would take the fear out of the first day of class. I also like the idea of giving out little gifts as an ice breaker....
Victoria,
Seems like you have incorporated many of the best practices!
Susan Backofen
We do several ice breaker exercises that encourages active participation and to start connecting with each other. For example, each student stating "what brought them here", or getting into small groups where they learn something specific about each other that they have to remember.
We have the students play a couple of ice-breaker games to get to know each other. One game has them mingle and ask 9 questions from a print-out. When the first person has all 9 questions answered they raise their hand. Then they read the questions and point out the student who answered it; the winner receives a gift certificate to the student clinic. The game gets the students up out of their chairs and talking to each other. The next activity takes them to a different room where we have light snacks and they can continue to mingle. They also pick-up their shirts and have their picture taken.
I think this is a great idea to get them to the dept./people they need to know. If the students do not have pic abilities on their phones maybe the dept. can give something to them as proof of their visit. Once they reach teh end they receive a treat which can be a notebook to take notes or something that will enhance their learning.
At our institution, the students and faculty meet for a brief introduction, and the students also meet people from departments such as student services, financial aid, etc. I need to find out if there is any fun built into their orientation. I like the idea of a scavenger hunt with cell phone photo proof. And providing a few small items along the way - great!
Terry--
Great ideas....combining the scavenger hunt with the cell phone pictures is wonderful! I always like the scavenger hunt-type orientation as it gets students up and moving around; and familiar with the building and office locations.
Susan
We use scavenger hunts and make sure to include people they will need to know as they continue with their education--such as Career Services, DOE, DOA, Financial Aid reps, Registrar, etc. With the camera features on cell-phones, it's easy to have students take a picture of themselves with the people/places on their lists to prove they have been there. Another idea is to have different people give away different things (candy, pencils, etc) along the scavenger hunt stops.
The leaders are motivating and interesting. They play games with then students and tell jokes to keep things light hearted and not so stressful.
We always incorporate games...scavenger hunts...ice breakers...this way the students become more familiar with us as instructors & staff as well as becoming familiar with there fellow peers. They always seem to enjoy! Oh & always...always bring CANDY!! lol...
