school functions
most of the experience i've had with school functions are positive, these functions assist in breaking the ice with those students who have a difficult time getting emersed.
Great ideas. What was the participation like? We have a difficult time getting students to participate.
Your posting implies that you changed your mind about the activities you first thought were silly. What changed your mind?
The first college I worked at did many different student activities. Once a month we recognized perfect attendance, at the end of the quarter we recognized monthly perfect attendance, quarterly perfect attendance and dean's list. Faculty and staff (and students if they desired) brought in food for a pot luck - always some theme.
There were also things that I first thought were really silly - wear your favorite team jersey to school day; wear pajamas to school day; crazy hat day; and others. Prizes were given for best, most creative, etc. We even had a student appreciation day.
This really did help to create a good feeling among students. While it may not have resulted in 100% retention, many students who attended felt as though it was a "family". Indeed, when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, the family of one student was rendered homeless. Students, faculty and staff all rallied around with a week's worth of fund raising - bake sales, hot dog sales, etc. The student was in tears when the money was presented so she could help her family with a couple of month's rent.
Do your faculty and staff mingle with the students at these events? Unfortunately, I have seen situations where the school personnel come in, get the goodies and then disappear.
I work for a school where at orientation and on their first day of class we provide them with pizza, donuts, etc. It's a way for us to show our appreciation to them and also is a good ice-breaker to get the students to know one another.
I feel that career functions help more, it gives the student a better outlook on what to look forward to in the industry that their studying in.
It is hard to offer events that appeal to everyone. The opportunity to win something or to eat are some tried and true ways to get students involved.
I find that as long as the school funtion is based on a common interest, you have a better chance of engaging the students. It will bring some of the reluctant ones out when you appeal to a personal interest.
Sometimes it is just the simple things that can make a difference. Whether it is an instructor bringing in some donuts, or a school-wide chilli cook-off, our students seems to really enjoy themselves and appreciate it. Everyone leaves smiling for having their day made brighter.
What happens to the foods that are prepared in the labs? Do you know why your school has this policy? If not, how can you find out?
This is a particular sore point with faculty here. We have a culinary school that provides no food service for its students. When I was in culinary school we got one meal per day. Some of our students do not have enough money to eat on a regular basis, yet we severly restrict the food they can have. We ahve a student lounge with very expensive vending machines.
I feel we should also continue to have school appreciation and let them know how important thier role is to the school
What's the old adage - feed them and they will come. I also agree that having food sets a more informal, casual tone that softens the student/teacher relationship. It's also a great time to introduce administrators and support staff to students in a non-threatening environment.
What sort of functions do you have, Marla? Do the students bring the food or do you supply it?
Classroom games when students are competing in groups is one of proven methods
I feel that when I have a class function with food it seems to bring everyone together on a different level and it seem to have good outcome.
Making connections is an important outcome of social functions. Which ones have been most effective in drawing out students?
