I think having current student or graduates discuss their fears and how they overcame them is a great way to help new students.
Student fears need to be addressed to help them achieve their goals. Talking to them or at least having them write down what their concerns are is a good place to start. Assuring them that their fears are legitimate can win their confidence and help them resolve them.
Letting students know that all the students in this class will be taking the course for the first time regardless of the module they started in. This seem to help them relax about other students being ahead of them
In my oreiantation I address the students fear by getting them to introduceing themself to each other, asking what brought them to this place in thier lifes what do they want to get out of my program. I feel that this breaks the ice and everyone is on the same leevel.
Hello, I feel that letting the students know that they will not be abandoned along the way and that they will not be tested for material that is not covered in the curriculum will help to alleviate fears and anxiety.
The First Day of Class We go Over our Keys to Success.
We have current students come in and share their experiences. These range from funny anecdotes to some soul searching quandries.
Carol--
I am so happy to hear your faculty participate. This is very important and sets a great foundation for new students.
Susan
We also have pictures of the faculty that include a small biography. Moreover, we take students into the kitchen and show them a cooking demonstration.
Our school makes sure that there are employees from each department that has interaction with students. Faculty also participate in orientation. Each aspect of orientation provides students with knowledge they need to succeed.
We also provide students with a fact sheet with the most commonly asked questions.
Students are given the opportunity to meet with heads of all departments during orientation. They can put a face with the names to build familarity when schools starts.
Philippe--
Sounds like your class can be especially challenging for several reasons. Not only is it a difficult class, but it is also somewhere in the middle of their program. This is the time that many students become discouraged. Continuing to support them and reminding them of the available assistance is important. Great job.
Susan
Jack--
Sad but true...students are often afraid to speak up and ask questions. It makes the class so much more rich and interesting for everyone if it is interactive. It helps everyone to see they are not the only ones who don't 'get it' as well.
Do you use any specific techniques to encourage questions?
Susan
The classes that I teach are about in the middle of the students educational program so as far as the school they know where the different departments are & how everything operates at the campus. As far as my class goes I do teach a challenging subject. Our courses are known as the " 4.0 breaker" by the students. I let them know that I am here to help them as well as tutoring by peer tutoring.
I keep repeating the fact the I am open to and welcome their questions or comments in eather a classroom situation or one on one. The last thing I need a Student to do is be afraid to ask a question.
I weave the information with personal experiences that show my vunerabilites as a person and make light of past mistakes that students may encounter themselves.I learn student names as soon as possible so I can address each personally and in a friendly way.
Kim, this is a great ideal. We are in the process of implementing a program. Mentors are a powerful means of helping students adjust to college life. It's a thoght easlier to absorb information from someone on your level.
Phil--
What an excellent and encouraging point you make about futures being tied together! I think this makes a great wtatement about the level of support you are willing to provide.
Susan
Earl--
It certainly sounds like you have a great orientation! Tours, opportunities for interaction and meeting with the program director are all excellent best-practices. Kudos!
Susan
