First day in class orientation
During the first day to the last day of the class, you need to continue to reinforce the reason they are there, and what they need to do to complete there goal of higher education.
I always tell them i will change there life
i surely don't favor students, i treat them all equal - i believe in teamwork and treating everyone the same
I truly believe this , or they will walk all over you. I've learned my lesson plenty of times
I too tell them what a wise decision they made and the difference it will make when they go to get employed
The first day orientation there is the thought in the students mind, did I make the right decision to be here? Is this the right choice for me? That is where the instructor can play a large role in the student’s feeling confident in their decision and this is the right choice. Positive reinforcement will go a long way to overcome any doubts the student might have had about their choice to be in your class.
We do that with our Keys to Success.
Cory--
Sounds like a great first day exercise. The more they can realize they are similar in their goals and challenges, the less isolated they feel.
Susan
For my first day of class I like to have what I call a meet and greet upon which I put some questions on the board and have the students answer them which I will read out loud so the students can kinda see they all really have the same objectives and alot of the times the same interests...this helps to make the students kinda feel more at ease with themselves and each other.
Rick--
I think you make an important point here. Some instructors I have had purposely tried to intimidate the class the first day in order to get people to drop. Making the expectations clear is important and can be done, as you point out, in a way that isn't threatening.
Susan
the first day i explain what is expected of them and what they can expect from me. I like to be as clear as possible without them feeling "threatend" or in "fear" of the class.
Michael--
Wow! Three weeks is a short time, but it sounds like you 'hit the ground running' to make a difference and affirm their decision. Great job.
Susan
I agree. During the first day I ask the students what they expect from my class as well as after graduation. I only have my students for three weeks at a time so during that time I will continue to show them how doing well in this program will help them achieve those goals.
At our school we have class lessons and hands-on shop activities. This makes it easy to prepare them for the real world of work. Some of the behavior issues is hard to change in some of our students.
I like the idea of painting a picture for them once they are career bound.
I like to make the students feel relaxed and for them to know that i am there to help but they need to know the rules and what is expected of them.
The first day in a new class can be very intimidating, so, as the instructor, my goal is to get everyone in a relaxed state, where they can absorb the critical information I'm about to present. When the student is relaxed, he/she will learn better, and retain more.
Cristina--
This sounds like an excellent agenda!
Susan
First day in class orientation allows me to reinforce the rules and regulations of the institution. I proceed by congratulating them in
their wise decision of becoming part of the student body. I follow by showing the importance of being prepared everyday for class in order to perform their new skills. I conclude by explaining the benefits and the future success that awaits them once they have completed the course. All of which is possible by working hard, practicing and creating a love for their new career.
I agree. Also I continually try to reinforce the student's choice of classes by stories of what a great company they will be working for, and the fact that in most cases they wouldn't even be considered for employment in their chosen field if they didn't go to this school.
