It is the beginning of the semester, which means I am discussing belongingness, how to retain students, and how to guide them through higher education.
Relating to your point about office hours (I call mine "student office hours"), I very explicitly explain what office hours are to my first-semester students. On day one, I tell my students it is time set aside solely for them, where I am waiting for them to come by. (I let them know that I'd rather talk with them than do my own work!) I also actively encourage them to come throughout the semester! These approaches seem to work well, because like both the Dr.As, I also have busy office hours!
Totally agree with every point you mentioned. Teachers should be ready to be “being welcoming” and it might vary from one teacher to the other on the extend on doing it. If it is based on personal traits then the teachers have to work on themselves and beat the challenges. If they are not willing to work on that then it says a lot about the teachers willingness to work on themselves or develop their skills. A great post and needed for the beginning of the semester and school year. All the best with all teachers and students.
Relating to your point about office hours (I call mine "student office hours"), I very explicitly explain what office hours are to my first-semester students. On day one, I tell my students it is time set aside solely for them, where I am waiting for them to come by. (I let them know that I'd rather talk with them than do my own work!) I also actively encourage them to come throughout the semester! These approaches seem to work well, because like both the Dr.As, I also have busy office hours!
Thanks for sharing, Sarah. I appreciate your commitment to creating a welcoming environment. Office hours are more enjoyable when students stop by.
Totally agree with every point you mentioned. Teachers should be ready to be “being welcoming” and it might vary from one teacher to the other on the extend on doing it. If it is based on personal traits then the teachers have to work on themselves and beat the challenges. If they are not willing to work on that then it says a lot about the teachers willingness to work on themselves or develop their skills. A great post and needed for the beginning of the semester and school year. All the best with all teachers and students.
Thank you, Dr. Sana.