Feeling a sense of belonging
Students need to feel a sense of belonging. This can be achieved in orientation through utilization of all persective staff memebers.
Susan,
Excellent! Sounds like you do a wonderful job of personalizing their experience in your classroom.
Susan Backofen
This is so true. On the first day of class I try and get to know each student on a personal level and show them I care. During the following days of class I will go and ask each one how they are doing and bring up topics we talked about on the first day. It really makes a difference. They even tell me they are surprised that I even remember the conversation. I really like to have my students feel comfortable, safe and that they belong.
I agree that everyone ones to feel a part of the college. This can be achieved by using graduates sharing the success that they experienced at the college. Having staff speak about past students and achievement and track record of the college.
David--
This is a great point. In the 'real world' we need to work in teams that are constantly changing in members, but our educational system is typically arranged to focus on individual efforts. While we must be sure our students individually know the material and can perform, we should also organize our classrooms to help develop teamwork.
Susan
I articulate the objectives for the course in a Team Context because I truly believe team work is an essential aspect of successful businesses: we all have to work together inorder to achieve our objectives and be instrumental in creating a positive workplace environment.
Caroline--
I agree and there are many ways, as you point out, to make them feel part of the larger whole. Sharing student news and successes with the entire institution builds pride and a sense of community.
Susan
Students need to see themselves as part of a large family. One of the main ways that this can be achieved is with the full participation of all departments and instructors. Other methods are activities that foster a sense of "oneness" like the general goal and benefits of the program, class photographs and students sharing their experiences and fears.
Having a strong connection with each student allows the student to feel safe and assured that everything is going to be "ok" during their studies. Just by asking the student how everything is going and if they are ok, helps to also create a sense of belonging and the student feels that the instructor is concerned for their wellbeing.
A student will have a sense of belonging when they are attended to by a staff member that shows a real concern for their wellbeing.
I agree. I also feel that if your working in a team with others that you all need to be on the same page as in teching info.
