We always have a roundtable discussion of all of the factors that affect students while they adjust to school. We try to give them a guideline for how to prioritize all of their outside responsibilities.
just remind them that they have to believe in themselves,and that there is more than one prize to be won in a Race, and to run in a way to attain The Prize that you want to achieve.
Dee,
I love that you have the same rules for yourself...even if you don't need them, making it clear your expectations for them also apply to you is excellent.
Susan Backofen
Linda,
Do you have any specific tactics for assisting with the personal issues that arise?
Susan Backofen
I also like to introduce myself, give my experiences in the field I'm teaching the first day. I also give them my expectations of them as well as what they can expect if I don't meet their expectations. I expect them to be on time. In the careers I'm helping prep them for employers dock their pay if they're more than 6 minutes late. I dock them if they're more than 10 minutes late. In return I offer to give them credit if I'm late. So far I never have been but it could happen and they need to realize I'm not asking anything of them that I don't expect of myself. I expect them to be prepared and I have to prove to myself and them that I am prepared. I've discussed what I do in prep with them, that I don't just stand up and talk off the top of my head. No matter how many times I've taught a class I always refresh myself and my knowledge of the chapter again before class. I also make it a special point to talk to the quieter students at break time, before or after class to make them feel welcome and acknowledge them. The talkers and class clowns want the time but I don't want others to feel they won't get my time even if they try to never speak in class if they can help it. I want their feed back even if they don't like to give it in a group. That often helps them learn to get over the hump in the group also. If I accept them, acknowledge them, peer acceptance isn't usually as frightening.
We also discuss these areas during orientation as we are aware that many times our students' lives interfere with their desire to continue in school.
After completing this portion of the course, I would say we are not doing enough to address our students' fears during orientation. This will be an area of opportunity for us during our next one.
Susan,
I agree! Be honest and let them know you are 'human', too by communicating your stories. Great job!
Susan Backofen
Reassuring them that I myself once was new to the profession I decided to be in. Be honest!! Sometimes it can be hard and fustrating for graduates to make it as a professional in our field. But it can be done. I have facts to back my talk and do have many success stories to share.
At our campus we have a "meet and great" time with all of the chef instructors.
Valencia,
Excellent! And, you are right. Most people are afraid of math so doing an exercise that breaks the ice is great.
Susan Backofen
Stephanie,
Wonderful! Telling them something about yourself and letting them know your background is so important and makes you much more 'real' for them to approach.
Susan Backofen
Jennifer,
This sounds like a wonderful program! How do students get to be a part of this?
Susan Backofen
I teach math(which most students are scared of or hate) so on the first day, I make them tell the class their name, their program of study, and 1 interesting fact. This way they can meet people in their program or since they know facts about each other maybe they can meet someone that they have something in common with. By having them meet other students, I am hoping that they will find a study buddy.
On the first day of class, before we start with the orientation, i like to tell the slass about me, where i have been and done. How and why i got into teaching in my field. I think the students can then relate and see me as a person and not just the instructor. Then when a problem does arise, whether it is academic or personal, they feel like they can come to me. I try to be there for each and every student.
I answer their questions and give them printed materials that include my business card and instructions to contact me withing the provisional period for advisement.
At our school currently we are doing a program called Student Leadership Counsel. There are different levels a student can reach and part of these levels involves working with incoming students. They work the orientations and make the students feel welcome. They go around to the classes on the first days of class and explain their program and try to get them involved to feel like they ara part of something great. Another level is also mentoring. We have not had a student enter that level just yet, but we are definitely working towards that goal and feel like it would make a great impact on our new students to calm their fears about entering College for the first time or again.
Steven,
Agreed! One-on-one sessions can be much more effective and less intimidating.
Susan Backofen
David,
Great observation. I agree that removing the task isn't the wisest course of action as they will likely run in to similar situations on the job. Teaching them how to tackle the assignment in small steps is an important lesson personally and professionally.
Susan Backofen
Manuela,
Excellent! Science and math tend to be subjects where students have the most fear. Great job of building in opportunities for them to succeed.
Susan Backofen
