Balancing perception with expectations and deliverance
People decide to enroll in school for many reasons. Primariliy, its the perception that its the "pathway" to a better more fulfilling life.
As students enter the orientation process their perception instantly becomes their reality because the day has finally arrived. There here! Orientation/or first week of class is often the make or break point to weather or not a student stays in school. First impressions are lasting impressions!
What I like to do is remind students (right from the beginning) on why they chose to come to school in the first place. Have them write it down on a small piece of paper and put in the wallet. Then, creating check points along the way and reminding students not so much the value of an education to them, but rather why what they are learning is so important to the industry and the value they now have to an employer.
In the end..... are students ready for proving themselves to the industry? If they worked hard, proven themselves, and are well prepared, one can open that piece of paper tucked in the wallet, say "I did it" , and move onto the next journey in life.
Wayne,
Excellent! I really like that you have them keep the paper. That is a good and 'near by' reminder of their goals and motivation.
Susan Backofen
Love the thought that the students can have a daily reminder (from themselves) as to their "why".
This is a similar approach to what we talk about, but I like the idea of having a physical reminder to carry with them. We often talk with students about digging down inside themselves to re-ignite their passion for what it is they've chosen to study, but the physical reminder such as a piece of paper or an index card it a great kinesthetic approach
