School Activities
At our school we plan yearly picnics , even a talent show as well . At first I thought it was kind off silly but students really enjoyed these activities and it turns out the older students were much more receptive than the younger crowds .
Kevin,
What type of activities? How frequent?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
By using student activities at my school, we have really been able to bring students, faculty and staff together to create an environment in which everyone feels comfortable because they know each other.
Our college has several activities for students. We tend to have more for the day students than the night students. Even though we try to equate all of the student activities for most students, we have a block schedule at night that precludes a great participation by some of the night students. The day program is not on a block schedule, yet we still have students not participating in various activities provided for their benefit. We have found that it takes a great teacher-promoter to get the students out to participate. Then we have to get select students involved and energized in order to get greater student involvement. In the end most of the people like the acctivities. Dr. Jeffries
Our school also has drag races, and car shows, but we also have sports they can get involved in. Like basketball, and football turnaments. This brings all the students together to socialize and get to know one another. This definetly helps with retention.
At our school I think we do a great job with student activities and also have several speakers on job options and opportunities.
Sounds great. Try adding a couple job fairs or speakers on employment in the profession. This will help students to not lose focus.
L
we have drag races twice a year, a couple of car shows as well as various other events to keep students excited about what they are doing. even with the number of events we have, It is never enough. It seems to be so easy for them to lose focus of there chosen career path if not continualy reminded.
We do several things to keep the eyebrows raised. We have an annual car show with several of the local clubs showing off there wares. Also, we rent the local track twice a year and let the students run their cars after a tech inspection of course. We have awareness days with our elective programs to keep the interest up. All of this works and it keeps the buzz going around campus as they always have something to talk about they can all relate to.
Our school has a car show and an open-entry race.
We used to do this at our school. I would love to see it come back.
Excellent. When students see other students graduating... their vision of employment and why they are in school is reinforced. See what you can do.
Dr. B
At our technical school we have a car show. We also sponsor a student drag racing event. I really like the idea of getting students to attend a graduation ceremony. Graduations are one on the most emotionally powerful events you can attend. Students who attend a graduation will anticipate this event for themselves.
Guest speakers are great... why, you create a linkage to why students are in school and students remember their goal and vision.
Dr. B
We occasionally have guest speakers that students recognize. They talk about their careers, professionalism, mistakes and funny things they have experienced in their life. Students like to hear that others have struggled to get where they are and their success wasn’t just handed to them.
Good deal. Do you have guest speakers?
Dr. B
We hold career events also. The events like drag racing and carting are career related since we teach at an automotive scool.
Does it always have to be fun activities? Bonding experience are important... What other kinds of activities? The key is relationship building. Make sense?
Dr. B
Planning fun age related activities are key to keeping student interested in the school environment as well as bonding with new friends. All these activities can be key to retaining a marginal student and creating a success story.
Sounds like you have fun. Do you hold career events, too? Remember, in the end... students need to see the link between education and the job.
Dr. B
