The Four Purposes of Student Orientation

One of the most overlooked but most valuable tools available to us as educators is having a sound orientation program. There are four reasons for providing an effective orientation program to your students on or before the first day of classes.

1. Creates consistency and confidence: Your orientation program ensures that all students start out with the same information and understanding of that information. This will help build their confidence and allow them to adapt to school more quickly.
2. Creates success: An effective orientation program will help set students up for success during their time in school. Explaining the policies and procedures and letting students know what to expect during the program sets the stage for a successful education for your students. Students can develop a positive attitude, realistic expectations, and satisfaction with the school and what they expect out of their education.
3. Retention: Effective orientation programs will help eliminate student withdrawals because we clearly explain what is expected of them during their enrollment. When we deliver accurate information on school policies and ensure that students have a thorough understanding of the policies, it is easier to hold students accountable to all expectations.
4. Sense of belonging: Starting anything new can be overwhelming and uncomfortable for people. You can alleviate the uncertainty by incorporating icebreakers and team-building activities so they can bond with the other new students, continuing learners, as well as staff.

We all understand that orientation is effective. We all understand that orientation is effective. In next week’s blog, I will share with you what must be included in your orientation program.

Be sure to check back in!