FYS Overview & Appreciative Instruction

Today’s Goals Introductions Overview of First-Year Studies Foundation and expectations of FYS 101 Introduce you to Appreciative Instruction

Overview of First-Year Studies Seminars FYS 100 (required for all first-year students) Life of the Mind (common read program/event) FYS 101 (~20 student seminar taught by faculty/staff) FYS 129 (~20 student seminar taught by faculty) Transition Coaching/Advising Early Alert Volunteer Bridge Program

Understanding 101 at UT Various iterations and offices 89 sections freshmen 4 sections transfer/veteran 1 credit, Graded A, B, C, NC Not required for all First-Year Students/Transfers

Special Sections of 101 General Major/College Honors Living Learning Communities Targeted populations UT Lead, Off Campus & Commuter Students, Disability & Advocacy

Transfer 101 Content varies from freshmen course 3 sections transfer focused 1 veteran section

Expectations of Instructors Adhere to the FYS 101 Instructor Contract Follow syllabus guidelines Utilize your peer mentor Create an open learning community Keep open lines of communication

Syllabus  Instructor/PM Contact Info Course Goals Attendance Policy University Policies

Required Assignments Time Management Assignment Goal Setting Assignment (Journey to Graduation) Pre-Career Visit Assignment Student Meeting with Peer Mentor

Main Content Areas Academic Advising Academic and Career Exploration Academic Integrity Campus Involvement Communication Diversity Health and Wellness Learning Strategies Not an intro class, its advanced life

Resources VolSource (Textbook Online) Instructor/PM Resource Site Canvas Early Alert (GradesFirst) Each Other FYS Staff Me, new graduate assistant, returning instructors, and peer mentors Show VolSource

Appreciative College Instruction Six Phases Disarm Discover Dream Design Deliver Don’t Settle Developed by: Dr. Jenny Bloom – Florida Atlantic University

Appreciative Mindset Always look for the best in your students. Adapt to meet their learning needs, BUT don’t lower your standards and expectations. See the good in them they can’t see Technology flexibility

Let’s break into groups!

Disarm Description Recognize the importance of first impressions, create a safe, welcoming environment for students. Pair up with someone you do not know. Introduce yourself Take turns practicing your immediacy behaviors to Disarm your partner Ask about how their semester is wrapping up Ask about their plans for summer Make them genuinely feel like you care

Disarm FYS 101 Examples Pre-term email (August) Arrive early every day Greet students on first day and every day Engage in small talk before class starts State your intentions to connect with them Linger after class for questions Others?

Discover Description Utilize positive open-ended questions to draw out what they enjoy doing, their strengths, and their passions. Listen to each student’s answer carefully before asking the next positive question.

Discover Activity In pairs Take turns discussing one of the following: Describe three life events that have made you into the person you are today. Since coming to UT, what is something you’ve accomplished that you are proud of? Who are the most important role models in your life? Why? Partner asks open ended questions to keep them talking

Discover FYS 101 Examples Human Bingo Highs and Lows Life Map/Coat of Arms/Where I’m from Poem Think-Pair-Share Student Information Sheets One Minute Paper Others? Sometimes it is important as the instructor to model these activities Set expectations of what you are looking for

Dream Description Help students formulate a vision of what they might become, and then assist them in developing their life and career goals. Individually answering the following: What is one thing you want to do differently next semester? If salary, education, and time were irrelevant, what is your ideal job? If you were on the cover of a magazine, what magazine would it be and what would the headline say? In pairs, describe your dream.

Dream FYS 101 Examples Class Discussion Think-Pair-Share Explore Major Motivations Explore Career/Life Goals Crowd Sourced Dream Board One Minute Paper Others? Wordle or Post-t Notes

Design Description Help students devise concrete, incremental, and achievable goals. Putting them into actionable plans. In pairs Take turns discussing one or more of the following: What can you do in the next week to move one step closer to at least one of your goals? Let’s brainstorm on the resources you will need to accomplish these goals and objectives. How will you celebrate the accomplishment of these goals? Partner asks questions to guide students toward action/ plan

Design FYS 101 Examples Time Management Assignment Goal Setting Assignment Academic Advising Plan Campus Involvement Plan Faculty Interview Questions Ideal Resume

Deliver Description The students follow through on their plan. The instructor is there for them when they stumble, believes in them every step of the way, and helping them continue to update and refine their dreams as they go. In pairs Take turns discussing one of the following: How and when will you keep me updated on your progress? What will you do if you run into roadblocks? What will you do if you think your goals may be challenging? Partner develop a tangible follow-up with your partner.

Deliver FYS 101 Examples Discuss how to get faculty feedback Peer Review Follow-up on Big and Little Goals Timely Instructor Feedback Progress Reports and Early Alerts One Minute Papers Others?

Don’t Settle Description The instructor challenges the student to proactively raise the student’s internal bar of self-expectations. Continue to challenge even your exceptional students.

Don’t Settle FYS 101 Examples Attendance Policy Individual Meetings with Students Quote of the Day One Minute Paper – Questions Letters to Your Future Self Others?

Setting the Stage How do you want to be perceived as a FYS Instructor? How will you work with your peer mentor? What will the class plan/pace of your class look like? How will you allow for flexibility? How will you set up your room?

Questions?