Paul--
That's great! The power of using someone's name is immense and reinforces that you care about them individually.
Susan
I make a point of learning the students names during the first week. If i can't remember a students name I ask them and then repeat it to them. When handing out graded work I reinforce the face with the name.
I teach at a technical college and our students participate in several activities during their first week on campus to help them be successful.
Some deal with orientation or familiarization with the campus. Representatives from various departments visit with the students in the classroom and explain how that department can assist the student. Others envolve various segments of professionalism training.
Try to make them not only feel welcome but at home in that they know where eveything is at at also have someone to go to if not.Making sure the students know what they will get from the school and having people who are examples of the final product of staying focused and finishing even in rough times.I would try to share some of my experiences and let them know they can always come to me for advice.I came through the school I am now taching at and I let the students know that and tell them of all the time in between being a student and a teacher.
One thing I like to do in class on the first day is to hand out note cards, and have every student ask three questions of every other student in the room. Then I go around and ask students to tell me something about an other student. This ensures that ever single student in class has spoken to ever other student in class - and already, they feel more comfortable when they show up for the next class as the "know everybody" now.
David--
We really haven't spent much time on the facilities issue, but you are absolutely correct. Something as simple as understanding how to navigate the building can be very important and reduce student stress.
Susan
giving the new class a tuor of the facility can help them with knowing where everthing is located and showing off the future classes they will be attending
At times we hold a raffle for students that show up on time for the first week.
If they show up on time all week they get a chance to win. Some of the prizes are tools or books etc. Make it fun is what it is all about
The first few days of the course, I take them and go through some tasks with them, this helps them to get familliar with working as a team, they don't feel isolated. Also, they realize it is primordial to attend the first day and every day of class, make them want not to miss a day or they will miss something important.
The first week we try to get the student involved with every aspect of the school. We encourage them to go to class and to joiin a club and we have an outing for them to meet others, and we have guest speakers to keep them interested. We keep their dream alive
Eric--
This sounds like an excellent activity. The limited time also provides sets a great tone for working together rather than talking and negotiating. Kudos!
Susan
Tatiana--
Keeping the atmosphere in the classroom friendly is a very effective retention strategy. Students are more willing to interact with each other and the instructor.
Susan
On the first day of class we ask the students to participate in a team activity. we ask each table (usually about 6 students)to come up with a team name,logo and,slogan for their table. We also limit the time available to 3 minutes. Then each team has to present the name,logo and,slogan to the rest of the class. This helps the student comfort level in a new environment and,when everyone is finished we point out to them what they just accomplished. How much can be done and how quickly when people work together as a team. Reminding them that when they started class today they joined our team.
have a one and one converation with students
A more relaxed setting in the classroom, maybe Q&A to get familiar with the students and the students with each other.
We have implemented the system of having student alumni in every classroom for the purpose of mentoring new students. the alumni help the students become more at ease and answer questions they may have. Some feel overwhelmed and the student alumni share their personal stories of their challenges. Since we started this we have seen improvement and a higher retention rate.
I am not envolved with new students. I get to interact with them after they have been here for around a year. I do try to be polite and pleasant in the hallways. I also will listen and talk to anyone that seeks me out.
I really liked the "buddy" suggestions from this module. I think that is a great way to have a new student make a smooth transition and not feel awkward or have any type of remorse.
Joanne,
Any help that we as educators can share with each other it's to our benefit, excellent idea
Thank you,
Leticia
Lisdianne--
Absolutely true! Students are glad to know that instructors are 'real people' and it makes them much more willing to listen to what we have to say.
Susan
