expectations
the problem with orientation sometimes is you have to cover so many rules that the student to detatch them selfs the first day
Michael--
This is certainly be a problem, and in your field it is absolutely necessary they also know the rules.
Do you have any activities or demonstrations that you do during orientation that can re-engage their interest?
Susan
I agree attention span lasts about 30 min max. Every 30 min change gears from lecture to hands on, or interactive, participative activity and then back to lecture this will help with the inevitable wondering minds.
I certainly agree. As an instructor, I sometimes have trouble keeping up with all of the institutional rules that go beyond my classroom. I think it's helpful for the students to have a "go to" person or department who can answer their questions so they don't feel they have to remember everything all at once.
When I am discussing the rules, I make sure I discuss them at a pace that is agreeable to students. The way I know what's agreeable is after every rule I ask if there are any questions, and then I might ask them to repeat what was just said about the rule. Before we get into the business, I do make sure I introduce myself and I conduct an icebreaker to engage the students in. This way, when it come to me asking questions, they tend to be not as shy as they were when they first entered the classroom.
Most orientations can be overwhelming to nearly every student the first day, therefore, much of the important information relayed is lost. I try to go back into the classrooms later the first week & sometimes again the next and 'check in' to see if there are any further questions, re-introduce myself once more and to encourage the student's interaction with myself and my department as a source of information and solutions to possible issues.
Andrea,
I completely agree! We tend to provide so much information at orientations that students go on 'over load'. Some institutions have a second orientation a couple weeks in to classes just to answer questions and reiterate particular points.
Susan Backofen
I go over the rules on the first day however students are given 48 hours to read, make notes and ask question before signing. It tends to relieve alittle of the stress and feeling of being overwhelmed.
