It is very important to keep constant communication with the students. So that we may help them through their fears and challenges.
We assure the students that the school is a place for them to learn and what ever questions or concerns they may have there is always proper staff to answer any of there questions ie.. financial aide.. job placement..or technical help..
I have a intimidating stature that scares some students. The first thing I do is usually tell a joke or tease a student I already know. This usually is followed with a class wide sigh of relief. I then go on to explaining what is expected of them and what they should expect out of the course. I think that humor is one of the easiest and quickest ways to relax a student. Learning was always better for me when the stress level was low.
At orientation, each student is greeting with a flower and we have coffee and snacks so that they can mingle before orientation begins. The staff introduces themselves and we make them aware that we are here to help them become professionals regardless of any obstacles.
Freya--
Excellent! That personal touch...carried throughout the term...is a great thing. You sound like a very caring person.
Susan
Glenn--
Excellent point. I think it is very rare that faculty share THEIR fears about how the class will go. It helps the students understand that faculty are also people.
Susan
Isis--
Breakfast! That's awesome...
Keeping in touch with them the first couple weeks is a wonderful practice. It is those first days that are so important!
Susan
I think a student newsletter is a great idea. Other students can read about their peers what and how they achieve their goals, and what their future plans will be.
allowing them a special instructor to help them get ajusted
assuring student that they will be able to adjust to the classroom ,open discussion is held to make new student fee l welcome
I always make sure to have every possible piece of information on how to get a hold of students. Even when they are attending school i send emails to encourage them to have a great weekend and remind them about coming to school on Monday which i feel is the toughest day for them to come in.
compairing there fears and relating them to my own fears and helping them understand and help them deal with them, sometimes we fear the same things.
We make our students feel welcome by offering them breakfast on their first day. The staff introduces themselves to each student and lets each of them know what their position is in the school. We inform them of our open door policy, where they are welcome to see any of us any time if they feel the need. The most important step we take in welcoming our new students is giving them close attention for the first couple of weeks until we see tha they are well situated.
Tania--
This sounds very thorough and that the information you provide your students gives them a great foundation. Do you do any interactive activities?
Susan
Edward--
Very cool....
Susan
Steven--
You are absolutely correct. This information is a point of concern and covering these the first day reduces a significant amount of stress.
Susan
Honestly, I have not attended an orientation. I believe I will make that a priority.
The first day of class must discuss tutoring, online tutoring, test make up policies, and homework turn in procedures. These topics are all common points of concern with a new class, or a new instructor.
I basicly let them know that fear
is
false
evidence
appering
real.
that lets them know that just need faith in them selfs and they will succesed.
That sounds like A great idea.
