John--
That's great that you specifically work to provide them opportunity to succeed. Doing that does, in fact, build their confidence and that can make a huge difference.
Susan
We provide a welcome greeting during orientation and informational sessions with student services personnel. We also have an advisor program that starts early on where faculty are in touch with students on a regular basis to address any issues, including fears.
During the first week of each rotation I try to guide students to do projects that I feel will build confidence. It is very rewarding to see their conficence grow as they perform tougher and tougher projects.
First off, the subject matter should not be presented as difficult challenge, but instead as a very achievable task. Second, paying attention to student behavior will allow to catch any underlying fears or issues and address them.
there are many things I mention on first day of class. 1st if any tutoring is needed for this coarse it is avalible,and if there are any students with disabilities they need to see me before or after class to make accomidations. we set the ground rules for the class on the first day assure them that they can achieve what the coarse is designed to give them.
Tutoring, video's, forum collaborating with others as to receiving feedback from others who are feeling the same.
verbal.telling them that i will be there to help them out if they do not understand or get flustered on what they are doing.giving them support to be suscessfull
John--
This is also a great opportunity to educate them further as to the differences of the certifications and what they can mean to their career. Great job.
Susan
I teach in a performance base course where students receive certification. I like to find out what level of certification do they want to get and what level of certification do they think they will get.
open-ended questions during & after orientation and throughout their first few weeks in school
Steven--
This sounds like a great exercise to get them acquainted with their new classmates.
Susan
We have them meet three people, have them settle back down. Then have them get up again and meet three more maybe w/ the same hair color. Then again get up and meet three more of the same height. By now there wondering what’s up? I then go on to explain that a network of piers can a comfort, a face you recognize when entering a new class, someone to car pool, study with, and notice no one was injured in the meeting of strangers.
it starts with the admissions dept, then we try to answer any questions or concerns during orientation and during their first 6 weeks at school.
I try to put them at ease by using eye contact, some q&a, letting them know what is expected of them, and what they can expect from me.
usually on the first day i, first set the tone of the class by indroducing myself and letting them know what my credentials are. i dont turn it into a back patting session, i let them know that any one of them can achieve the same things if they are serious about what they do. then i tell them that im not going to stand in front of them for an hour talking about myself, that i like to let them feel me out the first few days and then they will see that i am what i say i am. then i get into rules/ and classroom projects and such. it seems to work when you dont take the " ME big instructor and you little student attitude". i also let them know that they can talk to me about anything thats bugging them and i am open to questions that also have nothing to do with the class that i am not just there to spew curricculum at them.
I stress to students that learning from our mistakes is all apart of the training process. And use our mistakes to grow from, and not use the mistake to punish ourselves.
During my orientations I ask if there are any rumors about this class that need to be proven or dispersed with. Then we discuss the subjects as they are presented so every student can know what to expect and what is real and what is fiction.
Kim--
I couldn't agree more. For many reasons, hearing from their peers (other students and/or alumni) is the most effective.
Susan
It takes time to learn the techniques and skills that are being taught in my class. Do your best because that is all I can ask of you. I will be here to help you to do the best you can. I did not learn the material/skills overnight either and I am not aware of anyone who has! It allows the students to understand that I do not expect them to be a seasoned pro in 6 short weeks and also makes them realize that to be a top pro that a lot of work on their part will be necessary.
We are wshowing them all the areas they will be working in, explain that they can get tutoring and peer tutoring (from other students that show an excelled learning in the topic or topics) that helps them feel at ease.
