Open door policy works for me.
It is very important to let the student know that there is a support sytem for him/her at school. They need to hear it from their Instructors, therefore bridges of communication can be build toward a trust relation between the student and the faculty member. Direct feedback between student/Instructor is critical
In our orientations, students are informed that everyone, (from career services, to financial aid, to the registrar's office), has hours to accomodate different schedules. Also, on the first day of class, the faculty informs the students as to the best way to communicate with them and assures them that our door is always open.
Vivian--
Sounds like you have a great program. Do you use any particular model for choosing which current students come to orientation ?
Susan
Stacie--
Using humor--especially about ourselves--is highly effective. Sounds like you set a great tone in your class!
Susan
Patrick--
You are absolutely correct! Do you use any techniques that are especially effective?
Susan
I feel that it is important to make sure the students realize that each class they take during their education will help them in the long run, whether they may see it or not at the beginning. Also, after doing it for a few years, I also realize the most heard questions, and I then in turn answer those questions before the students need to ask them.
We have them meet with key members of staff and always have faculty members at orientations to talk to them and welcome them. We also have student volunteers who come and help during our orientations and answer questions and meet the new students.
We talk to them about all the resources we have to offer including tutoring, career services, and more and have them meet some of those people as well.
During the orientation process, I try my best to conduct a brief face-to-face conversation with my student as they arrive into the classroom. I feel that provides a sense of comfort once they’ve had the initial encounter with their professors. I find that the “getting to know you†exercise helps tremendously. We all sit in a circle, and I ask everyone to tell the class something about yourself that no one knows. I start off by telling them something about myself which is, I have 11 toes. Although this isn’t necessarily true, it’s humorous and they find it quite amusing. That is where they will get an overall feel about my personality. Some make the comment of, she is hilarious, or this is going to be an interesting course. I think many students will always have the initial fear of the unknown. What’s the instructor like? Is she a hard grader? Does she understand life happens? Those are the types of questions that you can immediately eliminate by just taking the time out to learn something unique about each person; that shows you really care.
During orientation we want the students to feel that we'll make everything possible to suit their needs. we show our commitment to their success and give them examples of successful students.
We try to develop a sense of trust, and make their time in school comfortable for them.
The ambassadors must have a GPA of 3.5 and above and they must receive two recommendations from two different instructors.
Jacob-
That is wonderful! You can really speak to many of their fears by giving them examples.
Susan
Judy--
How do you structure your ambassador program? What are the criteria to be chosen?
Susan
As a graduate of the institution I am currently instructing at, I try to address the students fear by sharing some of my past experiences as a student here at this campus.
We also have a Hall of Fame, however, ours focus on faculty members - emphasizing their credibilty. We also have success stories about our students posted all over the school.
Our staff members are welcoming, honest, and open with students. We also have student ambassadors who address many of their concerns.
James--
Do you do anything specific in your classes to increase their comfort level with the material and each other?
Susan
I try to get them into the lab the first day and get them excited about the course. I also convey to them that asking questions is going to open doors to more knowledge to the whole class. Its a win, win situation.
I let them know that even though the subject matter can be diffucult to comprehend, I will make myself available before or after class for additional tutoring or to answer any questions. I ensure them that I will do anything in my power to get them to understand the material.
I just tell them our schedule for the next 3 weeks. Remind them of being on time, use of cell phones and sleeping in class. If they have other issues they are refered to an ed. Mgr. or Student Services.
