Sean--
Great idea and I'm sure your offer as a 'first responder' is appreciated! Do they get a copy of your powerpoint?
Susan
Patricia--
Really excellent! Establishing that personal relationship is critical and clearly can make a difference.
Susan
not being retained . i suggested to get a study partner
I present a powerpoint for the new students that gets them up to speed with the rules/regulations of my class. Contained within are the contacts necessary for attaining help if needed. I also offer myself as a "first response" for any answers to outside help (tutoring, etc.)
I made contact with a new student immediately the day after she was absent from class. This got her to open up and talk more about herself and her choice to pursue her goals. She now talks with me with ease and is opening up.
I am also conscience of other new students that join my class each Tuesday (like today, 5 new students added) by asking each of them how do they feel about their first day of class.
Donald--
Excellent strategy. By telling them how you felt and encouraging them to admit their feelings, they are able to see that they can succeed.
Susan
James--
That constant interaction and caring attitude is critical.
Susan
One of the first things I do, is ask how many students have a fear of the subject matter. I then explain to them that when I was a student in this same course, I was fearful of it also, because it was something new. I then try to ease their anxiety by getting them to talk about their varied backgrounds, and in many cases, their backgrounds are going to benefit them in their studies, and lab. One of my main goals as an instructor, is to build the students self confidence by incorporating things they already know about to demonstrate that the material isn't so foreign after all.
Addressing student fears is accomplished by observing the student,talking with him one on one,and letting him know his success is important to you and our institution.Help him when ever possible and maintain contact on a daily basis, generally let him know you are here to help.
James--
Ahhhh yes. Senior-itis! It hits the best of us.
You have a wonderful opportunity to get them all excited about going out in the work world. As the 'last stop' before they go out in the real world you can reinforce everything and pull it all together.
Susan
Steve--
That sounds interesting...great idea to tell them about some of your professional adventures.
Susan
Dolly--
It certainly sounds like you take the extra steps necessary to make people feel welcome. I really like the names on the Welcome board!
Susan
Maria--
Excellent point. The faculty are extremely important to the student experience...both academically and for retention.
Susan
My concern is that I teach a class that is close to the end of most students time at this school. The problem is that the attitudes of the students are already set and most have started to suffer from "short timers disease". They have started to loose interest in the school experiance. I can only try to fill in the positives and sort out the problems and direct problems to the correct departments.
At the beginning of a new class I try to get to know the students, and let them get to know me.I will tell them of my experence in the field and some of the situations that I found myself in! I try to make them feel comfortable and let them know what is expected of them , I think that this helps quail any fear.
We do a number of things to address students' fears. First thing we always have a welcome board with the new students name written on, makes them feel welcomed. The next thing is that we introduce our administrative members from each department. This way they already know the friendly faces of the team. Each person whether it be faculty or staff address the students in a courteous manner beginning from the front desk all the way into the their classrooms. We try to break the ice so to speak so that the student is able to communicate any thoughts or fears they may have. We provide our emails and extensions to be able to contact us when they need to. The students receive a lot of information on how they can reach us if need be throughout their experience at our school.
I think it is very important for new students to become familiar with the faculty and area so that they dont get scared or worried.
Tatiana--
Communication is key...early, often and consistently. Sounds like you do a great job.
Susan
John--
That is awesome that you are aware of how intimidating your physical presence can be and address that head-on. I agree, humor is an awesome tool to reduce stress.
Susan
Pauline--
What do you mean by 'special instructor'?
Susan
