Thirty-First International Conference on Learning

Abstract

First-generation college students are quickly becoming a majority on many college campuses. As they enter college, they bring unique academic challenges that require additional support and guidance. In this workshop, you will explore the hidden curriculum of your discipline and how to help students discover those caveats. You will review sample syllabi for areas of assumed knowledge or understanding of college vernacular. Working with a college, you will practice how to readjust lesson directions for clarity and explore other areas of lesson design that assume students understand what is expected of them. You will uncover ways to restructure the lesson design to address time constraints, such as using multiple resources, materials, and technology. In addition, you will explore ways to provide more engaging and effective learning experiences to meet first-generation college students’ diverse needs and learning styles. Building rapport, creating a supportive classroom culture, and providing specific instructional techniques will help the first-generation students in your college class strengthen their knowledge, develop their confidence, and experience more academic success. This workshop offers a valuable opportunity to refresh your teaching approach and gain the tools and knowledge needed to support the success of your first-generation students.