Key Take-Aways from Orientations

Thank you for being active member of orientations and providing your feedback! Just to recap, here are the main take-aways from the orientations:

-       Start all your beginnings with an open mind and positive attitude. I know it is hard to focus on multiple topics during an hour of orientation, but if you come with the right attitude, you will learn something.

-       Stay engaged, not only through your orientation, but throughout the semester. Your feedback is important for the development of the program, and your personal growth as an academic mentor.

-       Continue reflecting on what the term “academic mentor” means to you, and how you can continue growing into it. Think of the ways in which academic mentoring relationship goes beyond just tutoring the subject. Observe your own behavior and the actions you are role-modeling. Model behaviors rather than tell.

-       Help your students re-discover the joy in learning.  If one skill they take away from you is the love of learning, and the joy in discovering new things – that means you have done your job.

-       In your workings with students, break the “learned helplessness” and the dependency cycle: get them to tell you. Use strategies from your manual and strategy cards!

-       Think of your goals for the semester, and at the end evaluate your progress.

I will post separately on stereotype threat as I hope this topic will generate some discussion throughout the semester, with examples from your interactions with students. As promised, I will also post your own tips on reducing test anxiety and conducting sessions.