Orientation
I believe the first day may be the most important day of class. This is where you welcome the students and build exitement for the upcomming course. This is also where you convey the expectations you have of them and what they can expect from you.
SO true. It is also where you can continue to show the importance of the course and it's value to students.
First impressions are vital,that is where the student gets a good feeling about his/her decision or a second thought about it may cross his/her mind,if the latter happens , it will take some time to get the comfort level back if they leave with a bad feeling
So right, I set my expectations for them as well as preping them for what is to come over the course.It works very well.
We have orientation the 2 Saturdays prior to the start, however, at the start of each block, as instructors, we do go through the expectations of the class and school. We have a high absent rate on the first say of each block like some others have mentioned in their posts. I would like to see a student orientation staff in our school.
Orientation can be the most critical experience the new student has, as it will help to dispel any myths he has and help to align his expectations with reality.
There is no doubt that this is true. The first day of class can make or break the student.
In our program, classes rotate every three weeks. We continuously have students miss the first day to avoid sitting through "policy" during every rotation. The school is doing the best that they can to promote attendance, especially on the first day of class, but some of these students just are not motivated. Teaching in a tourist town is tough when the attitude of students is that they can look forward to a three day party weekend every class start. How can we change their motivation? How can we make them understand succeding in the real world? How do we get them to see the future? Where are the answers?
I also agree, to me it would feel like I was already behind before I even started if I were to miss the first day. Being there the first day also sets a tone with your instructor that you are eager and seriouse about learning
I think that orientation is the most important thing for a student to attend. It is the first day, and it is good for students to become familiar with the college.
Tim--
I completely agree. The first day of class 'sets the tone' for their experience and students will come away overwhelmed, relieved, excited depending on their experience.
Susan
