I think it must be emphasized in orientation the amount of work that must be put in on a daily basis in order to be successful in school. There should be some effort made to give the student a clear picture of what a typical day might be like. Students so often want to learn but are not prepared for the work load or juggling school, work and family. We should prepare students to make changes and be proactive with changes to their particular situtation before they get behind in school, it becomes overwellming and they drop out.
Marie,
A very simple change is to have students work in groups reviewing the student handbook and presenting what they learned.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I am new to my campus and have sat through just one orientation. I realize that the orientations need to change. Right now they consist of staff talking to the new students. The students in the room looked bored. I want to make orientation interactive and get the students involved. I am currently looking for new ideas.
Damien,
Yes. Students retain little from the "talking head" orientation.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
More student/instuructor interaction always seem to make any coprehensive orientations more productive.
Monica,
This is a very helpful orientation program. Yes, orientation goes beyond the first day.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
As an online school we have an orientation program called "My 100 first days at school". This program involves a mentor who follow ups the activity of the new brand students during this period of time. The main tasks done by the mentor are such as phone calls email and webinar. In addition to that we offer a Career counseling service the help all our students to build a resume and guide when seeking a job.
Venusa,
Thank you for your post. Yes, orientation is more than a single meeting with school leaders. The more people students meet and interact with helps to create a bond that will help them succeed.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Comprehensive orientation program can be improved by designing a two tier orientation by setting the first tier as the general orientation where all new students are gathered together as one and meet all the administrators of the school, introduce the school policy and procedures and school requirement. The second tier will be meeting with their program directors (grouped per program) and meet with student leaders in that particular program as well, where bonding is promoted and where building community through communities is fostered, recognizing such need acknowledging student diversity. This will enhance confidence and the sense of belongingness among students.
That is amazing! It is incredible how successful students can be when you manage their expectations.
Nancy,
Students receive a lot of information during orientation. Visiting with them in class and reviewing some of the orientation topics over the first few weeks will reinforce what was presented to them.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I agree that students can be overwhelmed at orientation. We try to focus on inspiring them the succeed and some basic introductions, but really important information like career services should wait a few weeks until they have adjusted to the new environment.
Donnalyn,
What type of campus activities are offered? How frequently?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We offer a meet and greet with the students. We have student appreciation day and campus activities that retain students and appeal to future students
Vicki,
Ice breakers are quite often a fun activity for all. They can also be used when teaching.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We have included an ice breaker activity for the students halfway through the Orientation. We make the students get up and move around, introducing themselves to as many of their fellow students as possible. The instructors have indicated that this leads to a much less nervous student on the first day of class.
Karen,
Is the online orientation all online? Walking the students through the online program is not done on-ground? Or is that an option? Using a web cam is a great tool.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I believe a good way to improve our retention with orientation is to make our orientation more interactive. Walking the students through their online program is informative, but at times seems to get boring and then students lose focus... I enjoy our web cam time to get to put a face with a students voice, maybe we can incorporate the web cam more for face to face interaction.
Susan,
Consider setting short and long term goals. Short term is the day, week, and term. Long term is the program and their career. People do not climb the mountain in one day. They stop at each base camp making their way up the mountain strategically and safely.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I believe the first day of class is an orientation of sorts. We discuss why they are here and what their goals are. This gets the students talking with each other and forming bonds. Or it starts them thinking about how they might need to rethink what their goals are.
