Hi Robert,
I think this is a very good way to show the students that they have a stake in the course and that they are respected for what they are going to contribute to the course. These are very important points for them to know from the very beginning.
Gary
Certainly the meet and greet at the beginning is an important initial comfort producer....I also put a "Question of the Day" Unrelated to the class we're in but relevent to present day topics to ease the way into group discussion. Making eye contact during lectures and going around to all students in labs also makes them feel acknowledged and on a comfortable level.....I also assign lab partners as though we were sending our service people out in two-man vehicles......they get to know their partner right from the start.....sometimes adjustments are necessary, but by and large the pairings work...Can't necessarily pick your partner out in the field, have to learn to get along with different personalaties.....
James, Great idea.. Reminds me of what the godfather of soul music used to say, "Don't tell no lies about me and I won't tell the truth about you !" Ah, the great James Brown.
Dr. Meers,, Jeffery... I couldn't agree more that a little humor is so helpful in bringing out the shy folks and just lightening up the learning environment. Some people feel a little intimidated, laughter can help us all, level the field and we all learn better if we are relaxed about being there. Thanks for the great suggestions !
In order to help students feel a part of the class I have found that having a short open forum session can be helpful. Each student is given the opportunity to express what they hope to learn in the course and what their uncertainties are concerning the material. The other students are encouraged to offer helpful suggestions and as their instructor I will listen carefully and facilitate the building of rapport and respect among the class members.
Dr. Meers,
One of the classes I teach is Basic Math & Dosage Calculation for Med Assistants, Pharmacy Techs, and Surgical Techs. Most of the students start with that "deer in the headlights" look on their faces on day one. We do have many non-traditional students and a variety of racial, ethnic, and national backgrounds. For many students, this is often their first class at the college. So, it is vital to get them engaged early on. Many of my practices in class are reflective of the material in this module.
One of the things I push is that "Valor is the better part of discretion!" I.e., if you have a question, be brave and ask it! In most cases a good 50% of the class wants to ask the same question, but are afraid. Students who ask questions get immediate reward and positive feedback just for asking the question. In addition, the students who were afraid to ask the question are grateful that somebody did, indeed, do the asking!
I also use some of their background to probe what experiences they have had as a caregiver for their children or older relatives as a means of stressing certain points about administration of medications.
I try to make everyone feel they have worthwhile experiences to contribute and it helps personalize the material for the students.
Hi Kimberly,
All good ways to get them feeling welcomed to the course and settled into the first meeting.
Gary
Group work and peer tutoring can help students feel as if they are part of the class. Encouraging them to participate in class and giving small rewards for successes also helps. Students need to feel as if they are there more than just to turn in homework.
Greeting them as they come in. Knowing their names. Also letting them work together, I feel this allows each one of them to be heard!
Hi Sadie,
Good approach. This gets everyone involved and on the same learning page for that class session. This will lead to more effective learning and retention.
Gary
I like to review as a group at the begining of class what we went over the day before. By having everyone participate they feel a sense of "team" when we have finished reviewing.
During class time we do team building exercises to build up students confidence. In the operating room, you are part of a team and a greater good. I teach students that they are part of that team and a very vital part. We do counting exercises, so the students understand that what they do in the operating room is important not just to the team, but important to the overall care of the patient.
Hi Wanda,
Good way to start a class. I am sure you get into some very good discussion right at the beginning due to the experiences they have had during their clinicals.
Gary
I start each class session asking students how they are doing, what is going on in their lives, and how they feel about the class material. Often, I share a story about something that has happened to me that day to get the conversation going. I have found that adult learners love to talk about the weather and also about their children/grandchildren or pets. When a student misses a class, I send out an email with a class recap and ask them to contact me with questions.
I begin each class time by asking them how their clinicals for the week were. We then can discuss any problems or questions that they may have had. This will usually get the entire class involved in the discussion.
I refer to them as a team. They introduce themselves to each other and learn about each other.
Hi Pamela,
Good balance to your instructional delivery. You are offering variety and activity as a part of the learning process. As you know students need this to say engaged.
Gary
In classes that use discussion/lecture and projects, I will set up team projects, and make sure that in choosing the teams, I place strong students who express themselves well with other students who have difficulty, or who are not joiners to experience giving input into the topic. I then require each member of the team to present a part of the project, so that they are taking part while having the rest of the team there to back them up. I find that in time the quieter students begin to come out of their shells, and to feel like they fit in.
In my computer lab classes, I encourage students to help each other with things they are having trouble understanding. I have seen some of my most fearful students begin to help others in doing things they have mastered. This leads to greater confidence, as well as retention of the material, as we all know; if you use it, you won't lose it.
Hi Scott,
I like this way to start a class. You are taking your course standards and customizing them to meet the need of that set of students. This is what good instructional planning is all about.
Gary
At the start of a new term I typically include students in the development of classroom expectations. I have several set expectations already in place, but I have a couple of fluid ones as well. I will ask students what they expect of the class and then record these expectations (making sure to cover them througout the term). By making the class environment more democratic, students develop a sense of ownership for class materials and guidelines.
