How to handle students who miss the first class?
First impressions matter and there are always a few students who make these during the second class! What is the best way to give these students who were absent the experience of the first class without disrupting the second session?
I will talk to them on the day they arrive give the their missed assignments and inform them of the importance of attendance to every class
Chris,
I like the way you are supporting your students but also asking something of them. They are accountable for their own success so you are asking them to get the materials for themselves after you have guided them to the source.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I will usually print out most of the necessary papers for the first day of class as a friendly gesture to the student. If a student misses the first day I will talk to them about the classes expectation but will inform them that being in class is crucial to their future success in this school and that they have to log onto the portal to print out necessary paper work.
I agree, I meet with the student during a break or if they come early. I also send them an email after the first class to say they were missed and send the course material etc.
Steven,
Nice way to bring in the late coming students without disrupting your class progress. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
That is a common situation for me. I often teach students in their first semester, so it is even more frustrating. These particular students have no previous experience of our campus or classes, and I have to set the tone on the second day of class. For whatever reason, the student misses the first day either due to late enrollment, last minute packaging, etc. I will often give them a brief synopsis of the course syllabus and policies, because I dont feel it hurts to refresh the other new students. Then on break I will privately answer any further questions and cover what he or she missed in class the prior day.
I use time in my second class to talk to them without be interrupting my lecture and explain the course guidelines and how important is to be present the first day of class.
