Lyle--
It certainly sounds like your institution makes every effort to assist students in and out of the classroom.
Susan
I usually remind the students about permanent late slips,job placement,student services and the help these departments can provide.I also like to tell a story of success by a graduate.
During SOP's I tell the students that if they need to see anyone in any of the student support departments I will gladly give them a pass but they are responsible for the material we are covering while they are gone. If it is something that needs their immediate attention they should go if it can wait there maybe a better time when they would not miss any information.
I also let them know that if they are having trouble with any issue such as affording food or rent that they can see student services and that we do have a food bank available in hardship situations.
Most often I teach a graduation phase. On the first day, besides introducing the course, myself and what they can expect and need to achive, I get them talking about their plans for and after graduation. I remind them they need to finalize their resume and intensify their job search if they dont have one already. Amazingly some of them have forgotten about that part. So goes the brain.
Savatore--
It is wonderful that your institution has such services available to students and that you bring this to their attention in a way that isn't threatening.
Susan
Asking the students how long they have been they been at the school. Based on the outcome of this question I would know how long to make the orientation process to be. I have found in some cases that some students will not come the first day of class because they know that will be orientation. In order to combat this type of situation have instituted a lab sheet that is due on the first day, this helps eliminate most of those issues. I post the hours of all of our departments and how to get tutoring then give them an e-mail address that they would be able to use to ask questions and doing is gets the quiet students don’t like asking questions in front of their peers and as well, a students that is more in to technology.
Steve,
Each class has its own new uniqueness. I feel every class needs an intro not only about the class and what information they will recieve, what is expected from them and what they can expect from their instructor, but mainly what they can take away from the class that is important to their future and career.
During SOP’s on the first day of class as I am formularizing them with my course and what our schedule will be and so forth, I take that opportunity to remind them about our student pantry and the help available to them through student service if they are struggling financially. I also tell them about the help they can get with free uniform shirts and pants as I review dress code, and encourage them to take advantage of all the services our school provides.
Terry--
Sounds like you are doing a great job of setting up the expectations and continuing to provide them with the information necessary to succeed.
Susan
In Ford Fact the students are given an orientation before they start the program. I also give them an orientation in my class. I tell them about me and my experiences and outline exatly what they will be doing in my class and my expectations for them and what they can expect from me.
Fred--
You have a very challenging 'spot' in the curriculum and it sounds like you handle it well.
Susan
The class I teach (A/C)is right about in the middle of their stay- long enough to know the ins and outs of school, but still a long way from graduation. I try to emphasize how becoming a knowledgeable, competent technician can earn them lots of money without having to work too hard for it. If the customers knew this stuff, they wouldnt bring their cars in!
Adam--
Engaging students with your employment office throughout the program is excellent! This helps them stay focused in a real way on what will happen after graduation. Kudos!
Susan
In the FACT program we graduate employment come down & talk to the students about resumes & where they want to work. They will see them at least 3 times before they graduate to make sure they have started looking & interviewing for a job. Also in the beginning of the course I will talk about past graduates and their accomplishments to give the students to relieze that they are on the right path to a good career.
Bill--
I think it also sends a great message when you say you don't know the answer. It is important for students to understand that asking questions is a good thing and that it's also alright to not know the answer to everything.
Susan
David--
You make great points about the apathetic student and also how they all get 'senioritis' as they near completion. Keeping/getting them motivated is key.
Susan
Orientation should include what is expected of them, class and school rules reinforcment and interaction between you and them letting them know that you are human.
Yes I find it a benefit to explain in our keys to success about Student sevices,Employment sevices,Financial aid as a way to keep the students aware of the many ways the school has to help them continue to look towards there goal in our proffesion. I put it out to the students as if it were another tool in there Box of Life and to keep the departments in mind when making decisions.
I do not cover any direct part of the orientation or what each department does during class introductions. I do cover the differrent aspects of why the student would be in class and remind them of the departments that could help them with that area of concern in there life as I hear about them.
I tell them if you have trouble with anything let me know and i will try to get the help you need,wether it is minor or major,so they know i'm there for them
