Our first week of class is approximately 50% lecture and 50% lab work. We are an accelerated learning institution. There is not alot of down time in our program. However, I would think that some type event involving food (pizza, ice cream) is a good way to get the class together to discuss any concerns that they have or issues that they are encountering. This is also a good time to have students become problem solvers for other classmates.
I also have students speak with each other and gather information. Then I have the students introduce each other and their backgrounds.
Extend the orientation to the classroom. being visible and on time to class, establish rapport and credibility; reinforce expectarion in an encouraging environment; get students to introduce themselves, so you learn their names. It is a good idea to create a social interaction like a game.
Tiffany
A process I could implement to enhance my first week's activites and make students more connected to my college:
A. Talk about the various locations students have come from in the past to assure students that any and all cultures/locations are welcome.
B.Discuss the possible career paths and show excitement about all the opportunities that will open up as a result of this training.
That is a great idea! I like it!!
At our school , we have a program called Jump Start that helps them to understand some of the things they are going to encounter while they are here . It is also meant to get them started with team concepts and professionalism .We incorporate interactive exercises in the first day session....
I always like to start with everyone introducing themselves. Then I ask them what program they are in and why. I then have them ask me questions. It is amazing what questions I get! I also have them write down anything that they think will interfere with their attendance and what the two of us could do to make their attendance better. Those little things help to break the ice.
I have the students talk about themselves and five good attributes each has, and why they have choosen to attend school.
I Give the students a good intro duction of my self, and have them introduce each other with a little detail. We also have other graduates come and talk to the class on their sucesses.
There are many great ideas regarding this subject, I doubt that I will enter any new concepts here. I feel that creating a warm, comfortable environment that helps to alleviate initial fear and anxiety is the first step. Letting the students know that you are confident and hold their concerns as important, will ease the transition to the uptake of knowledge. Remind them that it was not that many years ago that we were sitting in those chairs as students.
I first welcome them to class, introduce myself and my experence. Have them stand up give their names, what they do for fun, if they work what they do, and why did you come to this school. I let them know that I am here for there learning experenace, and I am here to help them with any problems they may have, school or personel. I also would be available to help before school or would find out who would be available to help them if I could not
introduce yourself to the students, tell them what books and materials they will need ,give them an assignment and send them on their way the first day is over.
What I have implemented is greeting each student as they come in my class for the first time and take the time to introduce myself and have them introduce themselves to me to give me the opportunity to immediately put a face to the name, and learn the proper pronunciation of their names bofore I have the opportunity to mispronounce it in front of the class. Taking the time and effort to deal with a small detail like that shows the student that they are not just a "student".
The first day of class, I introduce myself and explain my background and experience. then I have each student introduce themselves, where their from and state which course they are taking.
Then have them briefly explain what brings them to school and what are their ultimate objectives/goals. Typically the students already know each other so the interaction with me gives them a chance to relate to me as an instructor and mentor. I try to get the students engaged in "hands on" activities the first day of class in order to blend the lecture and labwork.
Michael--
The mix of lab and class also helps students retain the information and become more involved with the subject as they can see the practical applications. And yes, lab can be a great 'wake up' call...in the end, students need to know how to apply the information, not just memorize the theory.
Susan
Having food and staff as servers.
Immediate involvement is lab activities is a good wake up call for students. A mix of class and lab keeps everything fresh.
There are a lot of activities that are available to help students feel more comfortable. Anything that allows them to get acquianted with the school and with other students.
I enhance it by having the product that they are learning surround them. I teach for a automotive school and I tech and the BMW training center. It makes it easy having all they want to know surrounding them car, tool, the environment. It also helps having my passed student that show up for additional training talk to them and let them know what they can look forward to.
Give the lecture that they can add to with information they have learned in other courses. Braking the class up in to lab groups and the giving them task to do. Observing the groups, supporting them with information and supplies to accompish their labs.
