Retention
It is the responsibility of all to make sure the student gets a valuable education. Although the first perception of an academic institution might be quite different from the perception of the institution after the first test taken, it is still important for you to remind the student the value of their education.
Nathaniel,
In some of the posts in this forum, faculty have given a few exercises early on (day 1 or 2) that provide students with a positive experience in learning new skills--mostly hands on. I don't know if you have those types of opportunities within your subject area. My personal experience is to have discussions with those students to identify issues that may effect their grades. Some don't test well; others may have a learning disability not reported thus far; still others just don't have good study skills. These are all things that can be addressed which tends to make the students feel more in control.
Susan Backofen
That first grade is such a critical moment in a student's experience, especially for students who are grappling with fears of not being "smart enough" compared to peers. I would love to hear some methods for addressing students who didn't do as well as they had expected or hoped to on that first assignment and are now doubting their ability to succeed in college.
Paul,
Always! It is true that it seems very different--in every class--after the first graded assessment.
Susan Backofen
