comfort
remember we were nervous the first week, make them feel at home
I just so happen to be a graduate from the institution where I now teach. When introducing myself to a class for the first time, I let the students know that I also attended the school as a student and discuss some of my personal memories and experiences with them.This is a great icebreaker and the students immediateley become comfortable with me knowing that I have experienced exactly what they are going through.I also let the students know that I truly care about their education and that I will go over and beyond to be their for them. I will work through my breaks, lunches, stay late or arrive early to be available when they need me . Once you earn the students trust, comfort naturally falls into place.
I love the idea of going around the classroom and asking why the students decided to enroll in our school. Many students are from other states and countries which is interesting to everyone and is a fun intro for the out of town student.
All of my students appear to have a certain comfort level with me as I reinforce that I am just like them.
I have a wife and kids, a day job, a car payment and so on and so forth.
When I do that...it immediately brings down the wall they have put up to protect them for the big bad teacher that wants to flunk them. Nothing could be further from the truth...and they realize that immediately in my classes.
I have found that having current students come into the classroom the first week is a great way to make them feel at home. When current students share their experiences it helps the new students to feel more comfortable and like they are not alone.
I find that maintaining professionalism while reviewing the syllabus but kicking back during the question/answer session sets the pace. For example, I stand in front of the class and formally review the policies and procedures of my classroom. After a bit of time, I sit either in a chair or on a front row desk to "chat" with the students. Hopefully, this format shows that there will be times of formal, professional attitude but also times to relax and openly communicate. The perfect combo of work and play. I like to have a style that makes my students comfortable enough to come to me with problems. I can't help if I don't know the situation. I also have them write their biography after the first class. I give them mine and offer the opportunity for them to tell me what's going on in their lives.
I like your idea Patrice. "Applauding students for having the courage and the will and determination to pursue their goals", is a great way to help students feel a little more at ease that first class. I know when I started my masters program, I was so anxious! I wasn't sure that I would be able to succeed, even though I had completed my bachelors 10 years earlier. I can only imagine how anxious our students must feel. I will use this in my next class. Thanks.
I like to make my students welcome and give them an I dea of what we will be doing and I encourage questions and many times I will ask each student what their expectaions are. This way you can get everyone involved.
I like to draw attention to what they have already accomplished. Sometimes, just getting through the enrollment process can be daunting. They met the enrollment deadlines and requirements - they can meet the deadlines for our course too!
We should create a comfortable level of anxiety without making the student so nervous that they shut down and can not make decisions.
I agree with Patrice. Reiterating to studnets the importance of their success will assist in making them realize their dream(s).
John, I totally agree with this perspective. I applaud my students for having the courage, the will and the determination to pursue their goals. I let them know how much I value and appreciate being a part of their strategy for success. I acknowledge the fact that they have valuable experience that will ultimately benefit our learning community. It is imperative to reassure the students that they have made a good decision and that we will support and assist them in attaining their goals.
