Teaching
Freshmen Brown Bag
February 11, 2002
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Teaching
Freshmen Brown Bag
February 11, 2002
A few
thoughts from Lisa H. Stewart (some thoughts more random than others….)
Needs of
Freshmen….. |
(Academic)
Expectations of Freshman…. |
· Emotional/Social--- need to make
connections to other students and staff , need to feel at ease/at "home", want a
personal connection somehow from someone, may be homesick, may be very anxious and feel
out of sorts · Moral/Spiritual---some are struggling
with making tough "adult" decisions about what they believe and how they should
act · Academic----need help knowing what is
expected, need to get in a positive groove, enthusiasm/interest help motivation a lot! · Physical---big change in sleeping and
eating and exercise habits, etc |
· Expectations about difficulty of
coursework and amount and type of independent study that is needed vary widely · Used to some interactive or cooperative
work · Used to using technology (email, web,
media, etc.) for the most part · Expect to see some relevance that
relates what they are doing now to the world or future career/life · Expect fairly quick turnaround and
feedback · Not sure what to expect about only
having class a couple of days a week….. · Don’t always expect personal
transition to be as difficult or to interfere with academics |
What I do to
try to meet some of those needs and address (and sometimes alter?J) expectations?…..
Basic
"Orientation" stuff (in syllabus and hit on these the 1st
day and systematically throughout course)
Ø Books…should you bring them to
class? What are they for?
Ø Attendance and purpose of class
Ø Expectations outside of class and basic
organization, goal setting, etc
Ø Interactions with faculty and advisors
(what to call me, how to contact me, appropriate types of questions, etc)
Ø Classroom behavior (courtesy/respect,
asking questions, if you need to miss a class/exam)
Ø University "stuff": Drop/Add dates, withdrawal deadlines, etc.
Ø Info on technology use in the class
(emails, course webpages, etc.)
Ø
Studying (try
to hit this hard at the start of class, before 1st exam, and then occasionally throughout
course)
Ø Using study guides (purchased or
online)
Ø How to study and how MUCH to study,
Reading college-level texts, etc.
Ø Study help available on campus…..tutors,
study skill classes, etc.
Ø
Life
(this has more to do with my "style" of teaching ….and the use of time
before and after class)
Ø Trying to be "real" with them….telling
a bit about myself and using real life examples in class
Ø Acknowledging some of the
"needs" listed above and suggesting some strategies for meeting needs….
Ø Promoting campus involvement
(announcements, extra credit, etc.)
Ø Relevant information about decision
making and life issues they may be facing (e.g., drugs and alcohol) in class
Ø