First day no-show
I usually have a red flag when a student fails to show for the first class. It seems many students see this day as a waste of time because so much can focus on the mechanics of the class, syllabus and expectations. While this is partially true, a savvy teacher keeps the first day interesting and “hooks†the students. When you get the “no-show†they miss that important interaction. A follow-up and connection to the new studding will be needed to ensure they integrate into the program and this also lets the student know you are watching and actually care about their participation.
In my experience this can be the one that gives us the most grief. When they don't show the first day and then come in 2nd day and say ya just went over all the rules so I didn't miss anything then they don't want to participate when you try to get them up to speed. That's why they laid out in the first place. They act like they already now this stuff and are only here to get certificate. Then on the other hand I have been able to turn some around and they do not want to miss any more time.
The student that doesnt show up the 1st day is missing one of the most important days of all. That student is the one I have to get after the most due to him not knowing what rules were set in place the 1st day. It would be nice if all students would show up on that day. Usually those are the student that will give the instuctor the most grief.
I always take the time to help the student get any required information from the first day, explain how important each day is and see if there is anything I or someone elso in the faculity can do to help them show up on time so they can succeed.
Michael,
You make several important points here. First is that if they don't show up day 1, that is a flag. Even if it is just going over the mechanics of class, you'd like to think new students are excited to start their educational career. The second is that faculty really should make the first day engaging and 'count'.
Susan Backofen
