Bill Shenenberger commented on how students start in a new environment and bring with them a set of expectations that may not be readily achieved. I agree with him in both counts. ^-) First those student expectations may be unrealistic and second they may be unattainable.
In reading it, I thought “wow†I can relate to that, why, because during the day I am a substitute teacher in our public schools, elementary through high school both in the inter-city and suburb schools.
Many students coming out of high school have neither the academic skills nor the behavior attitudes needed to be successful not just in college, but in the work place. Many public school teachers complain that those days of strictly teaching academics are long gone. Teachers now have to teach manners, proper attitude behavior and the difference between right and wrong which isn't being taught at home. Public school teachers now spend 60% of their time in dealing with discipline. L I find that my experience in handling high school students helps me with my college students at night : - (
Every college teacher should spend time visiting our public schools to learn first hand the types of students they will be getting in their classroom. They need to have an understanding of this generation in order to know where the students are coming from, where they are at, and where they are going.
I believe that as students enter their new college environment that the first quarter should be used to teach communication, life skills, politeness, courtesy, proper behavior and a host of other things. In addition we should offer those basic skills of high school English and math to those who need it. Students need to be advised that this is a second chance of learning those skills that were not adequately learned in high school. These skills will be needed in the work place.
I think that even those students who have been out of high school awhile would also benefit from a transition quarter in re-developing their English and math skills as well as learn proper communication methods needed to be able to fit into a college environment and learn those skills of receptive responses that are needed in today's job market.
These are important issues for students to come to grip with as soon as possible, Anie. Some students don't know what to expect and can benefit from early awareness. How long is your Orientation program? Is it part of your curriculum?
All students are required to attend a New Student Orientation, which provides the student with realistic expectations of post-secondary education. Students are provided with an overview of the policies and procedures of the institution, in addition to other useful information such as, time managment.
It is important for students to have an understanding of the obstacles they may encounter as students, as well as, a support system for overcoming these obstacles.
Welcome to RT101, Bill.
It certainly seems that you and your colleagues are aware of many of the problems that entering students face. Your approach to managing expectations is a good one.
Hopefully, other participants will respond to your question about other methods. I might add having recent graduates come back to meet with new students can be an effective way to modulate expectations and demonstrate what success looks like.
New instructors are encouraged to attend at least one orientation session so they can observe the methods used and the responses given from new students. They are invited to attend as often as they want to after that.
We also conduct a mandatory 16 hour training workshop session for all instructors prior to being in the classroom. We cover these issues with them at that time. Part of the training includes asking the students what 'backup' plans the students have when the meet with them the first time so the students are hearing the same story from all of us.
You mention that during orientation you talk with students about common reasons for attrition. Then student alternative plans are discussed. Are the instructors present at orientation? If not, how can these same issues be communicated to the instructors?
