i always tell them to ask questions even if they dont think i can answer them , i tell them if i cant answer it, i will find some one who can. i dont want them in the dark.
If I am teaching core, I get the students at their early stage. During SOPs I like to ask the students why they came to UTI and what there goals are. It is not only good for each student to verbalize why they came here but hear other opinions. It also gives an opportunity to open a dialog with the apathetic students to be able to give encouragement to them. At Ford fact they are generally coming toward the last part of their education at UTI, but it is still important to remind them to keep their focus as it can be natural for students to let up as they tend to wind down their education.
Kerry--
You bring up a valid point. How would you change it?
Susan
Joseph--
You bring up a very important point. Things that makes new students feel awkward are not knowing where vending, break areas, parking, etc. are...so good for you for pointing these out!
Susan
We give students guidelines every three weeks, at the start of each course, I have found that this is overkill I think it is a good thing for new students if we repeat the necessary guide lines enough times for them to understand the rules but going through the same list of rules every three weeks for 12 solid months or more is completely unnecessary the students pretty much have the rules memorized after 2 or 3 months in school, I have noticed in the later courses the students view doing this every three weeks as a waste of time, time they are paying for.
I take them on a tour of campus, pointing out all the departments of aid, vending machines, break areas, outside features and parking araes.
Douglas--
That is wonderful that you bring in employers and talk about all their opportunities. You are correct, students don't always understand all the potential they will have after graduation. Keeping them focused and excited about their career is an effective retention tool.
Susan
I like to point out during the SOP's that help is available with tutoring, employment,food, etc.I also stress the importance of professionalism, which is why employers come here. The students are often unaware of the opportunities they have, with railroads, oil company's,all over the globe.
I believe we call that Keys to Success. in addition to KTS i have a class briefing that is very important to this course. I brief on things that are not written in their books of success.
I give them a 3 week planner that tells them day by day what they will be learning.offer tutoring,were to go for additional help-food ,housing,jobs ect.letting them know what to expect out of the course helps a great deal
Gregory--
This sounds like a great format. I appreciate your letting them pick a specific model that they are interested in. That makes it much more interesting for them.
Susan
I currently give orientation for BMW on day 1. I discuss the courses and course material that will be covered during their 12 weeks. I pass out current information on the product(BMW vehicles), and widow sticker information to show the vehicles' value and complexity. I let the students pick the vehicles that most interests them so I can get them involved. I also discuss the demands of time involved for specific training and learning. Usually, the amount of material challenges the students to do well on lab and class material. Then, I give the students a short history of my career and life and a chance to share their stories as well. Lastly we discuss tests, quizzes and training standards. I hope to either continue to build their dreams or re-ignite an old one.
Steven--
Ah, yes. Senioritis! This is a very difficult phase for most students when they see the end and they tend to sometimes want to skate to the end. It is, as you point out, very important to keep them focused.
Susan
When the students arrive at my class most students are graduating the very next phase or within a few phases so they are excited about graduation and looking foward to entering the job market.
Of course I always inform the students on the first day what they can expect during the course we are starting. Sometimes I have to remind them not to loose their focus until they have completed school because some of the most difficult credentials are at the end of the program.
Many students are stressed out and exhausted from the long days of school and work. Encouraging them to stick it out just a little longer reminds them it will be worth the effort when they finally realize their dream and graduate school.
I start by asking how they are doing and how long they have been here and if they are having any trouble or hardships I tell them about the food pantry and if they have a wife and kids see about state help like food stamps and if they would like to talk to me alone to see me after school I tell them a story about a student that had to quit school to get more hours at McDonalds to pay for his new truck and do they think he lost site of his goals
There is great value in doing a first day orientation. It shows students what they will be required to do during nthe course and in our case, the training aids that they will be working with. I outline what the course is going to cover and when. I also cover what tests will be given and when we will be in lab etc: If any other questions concerning the school come up,I will handle them at this time if I am able to.
At Ford Fact we do a Fact Orientation the Friday before they start the Manufactures Specific Training (75 days / 15 weeks) to help the students change to that type of format training. We also socialize a bit, snacks, drinks, and such (during the orientation), we have found that it elevates some of the stress the students have and gives them a chance to get their questions asked before class starts and it gives us a chance to bring the student up to speed about Ford Fact. Each instructor (myself encluded) will also take some time at the start of each course to introduce themselves and prepare the student for the material that is going to be covered in their course and how that information is going to help them meet their goals and dreams.
David--
Excellent practice! A 're-group' after week one is always a great idea to realign expectations with reality.
Susan
After one week I survey the new starts on how was the first week,was it everything they expected,how else can we assist you,any suggestions,etc... I also bring in the registral,student advocate and the Director of Education(if available). The students take a written and verbal survey. Most important,is to be as upbeat and excited about them and their career choice,as you where on the first day.
Steve--
Reinforcing information in the classroom that may have been covered in orientation is always a good thing. Students don't retain 100% of what is presented, and they are often hesitant to ask questions in that format.
A couple other partipants have developed an outline of things to cover in the first day in addition to the class format and expectations. These may include other services such as may be available through student services, tutoring, etc. Those generally help to facilitate other questions and discussion about other topics important to a student's success.
Susan
