Alan--
This sounds absolutely wonderful!
Susan
I don't usually have to deal with student fears as far as " new student fears" are concerned. When I get them they are usually more than half way through the program. They usually stress over bills, missing time because they can't reschedule appointments and everyday life issues that they are facing for the first time in their life. I handle them on a case by case basis. If my advice is not enough, then I point them in the right direction and hope they can find a solution.
We have a complete orientation process that starts with the obvious rules and regulations.We spend almost a day and a half getting new students acclimated and introducing them to key people they will be involved with. We tour them over the campus and let them see all we do while it is actually in progress. Throughout this entire time we are helping to build up their confidence and get them excited. We want them as comfortable as possible. We have some of our more animated instructors work with them over the first course to keep them talking and involved. Our success rate has been good.
Ralph--
It certainly sounds as if the majority of your students have real challenges before starting classes...relocation/housing and the need to find employment. It is wonderful that you have departments to assist in this.
Susan
A good portion of our students come from out of state and have to find employment and living arrangements prior to starting school. This is probably the greatest fear that they have, not being able to make it. We have an employment services department and a apartment assistance service located on campus to assist with these issues. These issues are also addressed during the orientation process. We have representatives from each one of our departments speak during orientation and inform students of what they can assist them with. A question and answer period follows at the end of the orientation. Instructors also have time at the beginning of each course to address student issues or fears if needed. All campus personnel from the campus president to the facilities department are here to help our students be as successful as possible.
Guidelines are clear, and the instructors work hard to promote an humorous and comfortable atmosphere. The whole idea is being positive.
Dennis--
Excellent idea! If you are able to incorporate specific examples and analogies based on what your students are interested in, I am sure makes a huge difference.
Susan
Laura--
This sounds wonderful!
Susan
During our orientaion process we have people from all of the departments address the students to let them know what their dept does for the students,when they are available and to put a face to the department so that when they goes there they see a familar face. This usually makes the students feel more comfortable visiting a department that they need assistance from.
The first day of the class I go over what is happening in the class, and what they will be doing. Then I give them a general schedule as to how we are going to accomplish this.
The first day of class I thouroughly explain the course syllabus, class procedures, and routines. I try to make all students comfortable in their new enviroment and make them aware of what is to be expected from them. Creating questions and comments as well as understanding their expectations from the course helps.
We go over the material for the course. I make sure that they know this material is within their reach. I also have them pick out study groups. I give them my email and let them know that they can contact me any time with questions.
James, I like the open door policy which I try to use as much as possible, but the Hall of Fame throughout the college is a great ideas. I like it and will likely suggest this approach as a motivator.
Tiffany
James, I like the open door policy which I try to use as much as possible, but the Hall of Fame throughout the college is a great ideas. I like it and will likely suggest this approach as a motivator.
Tiffany
I appreciate these discussions, so thank you!
Some of the activities used are placing new students with others; showing them they fit in by allowing interaction such introductions and using team projects; and having school tours.
In all, you must create a friendly learning environment, where all students can solve problems while building critical thinking skills.
Tiffany
As a part of first day activities I ask the students to fill out a brief questionaire that probes their personal interests and experience in the automotive field. Armed with this information I can sometimes create a more personalized discussion as related to the subject they will be learning.
We also have a Scavenger Hunt at our campus to familiarize the new students with the school, faculty, and staff.
I usually have students fill out index cards with a bunch of random items - birth order, car they drive, favorite color, favorite music and then when we get done with lesson early in class I put them in groups and they have to figure out what they have in common with each other. They LOVE this!
I also have them fill out fear cards - their biggest fears (that they can share) and then we work on addressing those fears - the most popular ones are public speaking, spiders, heights, failure - things that we can do class activities on.
Please let me know if you have any more suggestions.
Kelly--
I really like the graduation cap and gown. Some institutions have taken them picture and give them a copy as well for them to keep. It can be a great motivator.
Susan
Robert--
Great point. Everyone tends to reach as high as they feel they can reach...and encouraging them to get out of that comfort zone can help them achieve greater things than they ever imagined.
Susan
William--
Having the tutor come to class and introduce themselves is an excellent idea. It takes away much of the fear of walking in to ask for assistance. Great idea.
Susan
