Connecting in the classroom

1.   Help students get used to their Warriormail by emailing them a welcome.

2.   Encourage students to form study groups.

3.   If possible, email or phone a student who is absent.

4.   Get feedback periodically from students about how class is going.

5.   Encourage students to establish a "buddy system" for absences.

6.   Create situations where students can help you (get a book from the library, look up some reference, conduct a class research project, etc.).

7.   Encourage students to stop by during your office hours.

8.   Prepare students academically and psychologically for exams:  Tell students how to study for your tests and give sample test questions and answers.

9.   Stress a positive attitude, emphasize your willingness to help and point out how the subject matter is relevant to their concerns and goals.

10.  Give each student a mid-term grade and indicate what the student must do to improve it.

11.  Urge students to talk to you about problems (such as a change in work schedule) before dropping the course.  It may be possible to make alternative arrangements.

12. Return assignments, exams as quickly as possible with comments.

13.  When possible, stress how the course relates to careers.

14.  Involve students in departmental activities.