lessons learned: implementing strengths into a first-year program sondra l. cave, ed.d. midamerica...
TRANSCRIPT
Lessons Learned:Implementing Strengths into
a First-Year Program
Lessons Learned:Implementing Strengths into
a First-Year Program
Sondra L. Cave, Ed.D.MidAmerica Nazarene University
Achiever, Focus, Discipline, Significance, Competition
Gallup WebinarMarch 5, 2008
-Achiever -Futuristic-Activator -Harmony-Adaptability -Ideation-Analytical -Includer-Arranger -Individualization-Belief -Input-Command -Intellection-Communication -Learner-Competition -Maximizer-Connectedness -Positivity-Consistency -Relator-Context -Responsibility-Deliberative -Restorative-Developer -Self-Assurance-Discipline -Significance-Empathy -Strategic-Focus -Woo
The first year
Students experience great transitions between leaving home and arriving on campus.
Experience – critical to persistence Shift – most stressful transition
Helping the new student survive is a necessary responsibility of every
college and university.
The first year
Priority
Helping students understand importance of focusing on academics/balancing social life
Helping student with personal adjustment, developmental issues, living with roommates/other relationships, personal responsibility…
Purpose:
Build friendships/relationships/bonding
(20 out of 20) Ease transition/equip for college career
(12 out of 20)
Value:
Definitely (2 out of 20)
Pointless, stupid, dumb, no value, waste of time (18 out of 20)
Objectives:
Teaching basic survival skills Helping acclimate – personal, academic,
career, social, recreational opportunities Develop positive lifelong learning skills Helping cope successfully w/demands Helping become more aware of self and
become valuable member of the campus community
Objectives:
Helping student clarify own personal values, needs, and attitudes
Enhance students’ academic skills Help students develop personal skills in
time/money management
Process:
2002 – very small pilot - 4 sessions
2003 – large group - research
2004 – one group
2005 – experimental/control (half/half)
2006 – entire program strengths
2007– entire program strengths/changes
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
Don’t start w/strengths on first day
Students still need practical information
Strong foundation/introduction necessary
Content is manageable for those teaching it
Keep curriculum/content “moving”
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
You – the initiator/facilitator– It takes time– Keep it simple
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
Move beyond “discovery zone” – – Develop – integration of how strengths play out
in life and help them.
Relating to my closer friends (Relator)
Including everyone (Includer)
Loving to collect some things (Input)
Eternally thinking outside the box (Ideation)
Y not be happy? (Positivity)
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
Move beyond “discovery zone” – – Develop – integration of how strengths play out
in life and help them.– Apply – able to make decisions/take action as
result of strengths; more aware of others and their strengths; work differently w/others because of self- and others-awareness.
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
Evaluation
– “mile marker”
– “Are we doing what we say we are doing and are we doing it well?”
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
Ideally, freshmen seminars create an environment in which students face challenges of:
--forming identity
--becoming socially/academically involved
--learning to think critically
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
Most are intended to help freshmen deal with:– Being homesick– Provide support– Learn way around campus– Develop study skills to keep GPA from ↓
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
Strengths can add component of forming identity:
• Calling
• Career
• Major
• Profession
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
Freshmen seminar instructors cannot prepare freshmen student with knowledge base they will need for each discipline – they provide them with strategies.– Strategies already exist – talents and abilities
(plus knowledge/skills = strengths).
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
“It is up to us to find a formula that will attract and retain students and help them succeed, not only in college, but in life.”
Henscheid, 2000
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
Any Questions???
Sondra Cave, Ed.D.
913-971-3612