Buddy System
I have never considered this before but it is an excellent idea. It takes so much time orient the student myself if they have missed orientation, but if another student does it, they can also share some of their orientation experience as well as getting to know each other.
I am definitely going to bring this "buddy system" to our next staff meeting. It is a great way to get the students to interact with each other and not feel scared or left out.
The buddy system is awesome and not just for orientation but for classroom concerns or ways of encouraging each other. Some students do not remember how to study or even get started so buddying them up with another student kind of re-enforces they have what it takes to succeed.
This is definitely something students who are further in their studies can help with, it creates a better bond throughout the school.
Michael,
I agree...and it accelerates their connections with other students.
Susan Backofen
I have found over the course of several quarters that using a buddy system is a very good way to keep students "in the stream' when they have to miss class (for a variety of very valid reasons).
Late starts are inevitable. If a student misses orientation our institution finds out why and schedules a time to take the student(s) through orientation. We have small number of students and a small institution that only provides one course. This allows for amore thorough orientation.
I am going to use this a suggestion in our next staff meeting.... when students start late usually they feel left out and as an instructor I involve them in what they have missed
Within my institution, late starts happen all the time. Student mentors help within the classroom with these students and builds that sense of being part of something bigger. Class phone lists in addition to placing seats and tables together builds a sense of community in the classroom, and always works with team-building.
