From Linda Walsh

Dear Dr. Rhem,

Thank you for your helpful comments and suggestions on my piece on trying to connect with the new freshmen in my large general education course. . . . .

I think when I decided to write about my experience I was, in fact, hoping to get some suggestions or reactions from readers. Over the summer I always rethink my classes - what worked, what didn't, and what might need some tinkering. I thought long and hard about whether I should continue my connection efforts or whether the outcomes did not justify the not insignificant amount of time the emails and visits required. Although I did decide to try it all again this fall, I would be very interested in presenting this piece as an open letter or mini case study. I know on my own campus many faculty believe it is impossible or even ridiculous to try to encourage personal contact with "the masses" in large lecture classes. But there are no guarantees here that a freshman will have a small, personalized course or that, if they do, such a course will help them survive the inevitable large lectures. You asked if I was talking about retention or academic success. I have no doubt both are involved.. Although our retention rates are higher than the national average, far too many students leave school during or after their first semester or are suspended for poor grades. Others survive but end up retaking some first year courses as juniors or seniors (or face the effects of an exceptionally poor first semester on their cumulative GPA). Once they learned the ropes they became successful students, even star pupils!

I guess I wouldn't have persisted with contacting students this long if I didn't believe that there weren't some significant positive outcomes. Although in some areas I despair at my "lackluster success" (as you put it), I feel better for having made the effort. I believe that, for some students, the contacts shape their attitudes toward professors, the university and the learning process. I enclose a sampling of some of the responses I've received. I think that for every student that actually expresses appreciation there are many others that benefit from the contact but would never think to tell me so. If 50-70% send me an email during the first weeks, I am happy they have learned to use one of the most efficient kinds of instructor/student communication. For many students it was the first email message of any kind that they had sent. If about half the class makes a "coerced" of floe visit, that's still about 5 times as many as in a class where contact is not specifically encouraged. And those visits are not stiff, obligatory introductions. Most students share how their first weeks in college are going, ask questions about our class, comment on common interests or experiences ( I include some biographical information in our syllabus). Does that little bit of contact make a difference in how they do? I don't know - at best I could look for a correlation between contact and attendance or performance. Yes, I am disappointed that more of those who do poorly on exams don't come back for assistance, but I don't think of return visits as the only positive effect. I also don't know for sure whether the low number of return visits always represents a failure of my contact efforts. Some students know exactly what they are doing wrong without another office visit (see page marked "B"). Others are not only taking a full load of classes but are working large numbers of hours or raising a family. I polled them the first week of class; half are working, an average of 17.5 hours per week! Others have told me they turned to online help (I demonstrate in class how to access a number of resources I created and linked to our online syllabus ("Sites to Promote Academic Success"(a compilation of study aid links), "Help for New UNI Students"(a page linking to all the on-campus offices that assist new students), and links to study aids tailored to our course content.

You asked if I was familiar with the work of John Gardner et al. I am familiar with his books for students. I've examined all the available "college success" materials searching for ways to introduce my students to college as well as to the field of psychology. Although I have read some in the area of freshman needs, I found much of what I came across on "freshman experience seminars" a little disheartening since most seem to be working with dozens rather than hundreds of students.

This semester I again had my students respond to a number of questions on "Who Are You" sheets, including the open-ended item about their concerns about the upcoming semester. So I do have some additional data on first year anxieties. . . .. This fall there were "yes" responses from 162/208 students. My rough tally yielded about 3 dozen different worries. About 27% were concerned that they did not have the necessary study skills (in general) or mentioned a specific skill (reading ability, writing ability, test-taking, computer skills). About 23% anticipated time-management difficulties - some worrying about meeting the demands of all their different courses, others facing the difficulties of balancing classes and job, classes and family, or classes and athletics. Being overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of reading was a common concern. About 18% were anxious about grades - some looking for the As that will make their parents proud of them, some saying that they hope they don't flunk out! Another 13% mentioned problems of adjustment - homesickness, making new friends, will I wake up in time, will I like the university). Finally, about 13% were concerned about the difficulty of their courses. A few said they were worried but couldn't narrow it down ("Everything!" or "That's a therapy session!" or "Where should I start?"). Only 46 students reported no concerns - 22 of these were among the 15% of the class that are not freshmen. All in all the figures are fairly similar to those from last year (mentioned in the piece I submitted). An interesting aside - I asked the students - most of whom were new to college- to guess or predict what their final grade in the class will be. All but 6 predicted an A or a B! ! So another email, providing study suggestions as well as the grade distributions from the last 4 semesters, was sent to try to adjust their expectations without creating total panic. Your colleague's suggestion that we somehow survey faculty and or students immediately made me wonder why I had never simply asked my own students whether I should continue my efforts to connect or why so few of them seek out help beyond that which I spontaneously provide. How remiss of me!

Thanks for your consideration!

Linda L. Walsh
Psychology
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0505
E-mail: walsh@uni.edu
Web: http://www.uni.edu/walsh/
Telephone: 319-273-2690
FAX 319-273-6188

8-SEP-1998
Professor Walsh,
Hi! My name is Jessi . . . I'm in the MWF section at 2:00.1 just wanted to say that i think you idea of emailing students is great. It keeps us updated and makes a big class feel more personal I'm really enjoying intro to psych, and none of the above compliments are to be [regarded as] a suck up. So far I'm understanding the lectures and staying caught up with the studying. l Just wanted to drop you a note to introduce myself. See you in class tomorrow.
Sincerely, Jessi

I Just wanted to thank you for all of the e-mails that vou are sending me. I have found them to be rather helpful and hopefully they will continue to be. I would also like to thank you for giving me the chance to receive extra credit in this way, it will help a lot I'm sure. Thanks again, Keiii

Thanks for writing me!!! it was so cool to hear from you!! ! have already bragged to my parents about how good of a teacher you are, l was really impressed about all the outside work that you do for the class!! I thought that i had something psychological going when i asked you why you used purple paper! but using different color paper to keep everything organized is probably the best idea! I really enjoy the class and I am glad that you let me in!'!!! Its me fav. class!! see you on Monday!! :)
Ben

It's so cool learning to E- Mail. I love doing this. I want to stop by and introduce myself, but I need to find time first. I'm enjoying your class!
Jodi

Hello Mrs. Walsh
My name is Megan. . .. I am taking your Intro to Psych class and so far am enjoying it. I am very excited to be taking this class from you. I come from a very small school and the size of the class really fret first, but after a few days of class I feel a lot better. I am a Psychology major and I think I can learn a lot from you! Talk to you later,
Megan

Dr. Walsh,
My name is Sara . . .and I am in your Introduction to Psychology Couse on Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 2:00. I have never taken a Psychology course before, but I am happy to tell you that I am enjoying your class. I am an English and Secondary Education major. I hope to minor~in Media Specialist and Women's Studies and maybe get a certificate in French. I appreciate ail of the effort that you put into making it easy to contact you. It is refreshing to have a teacher encourage communication with the students. I also appreciate all of the information that you have put on the internet. It makes it easier to get ahoid of you and not stress about what one of the points of the lecture was. I will be stopping in to see you someday next week and i look forward to your class.
Sincerely, Sara

Subj: class
I wanted you to know how much I've enjoyed your class so far. I'm majoring in accounting and didn't take psychology in high school. I don't know how interesting the information is, but you make it interesting. I really think the book we have makes the reading go much easier by having small sections, questions at the beginning of each section, and the little five question mini quizes at the end of each section.
Class is always very educational as well as entertaining. After sitting through over fifty classes and teachers in my life at this point in time I would consider you one of the best. You are incorporating into class as many different ways to learn the material. Everyone learns differently, the visual (videos), the writing (the brain notes), the hearing (lectures), and the active (being encouraged to ask questions in class, after class, and throug~e-mail.) You cover all these areas and at the same time make it interesting. ~ he videos are short enough that they're not boring and yet they help create a picture in my head. I'm not trying to kiss up to you, I just thought it might help to know that someone is noticing that your doing a great job and can visually see how much you love your job. From a student point of view, thanks for going the extra mile.
From,
Jenny

Dear Ms Walsh
I would like to introduce myself. I am Cacee. . . . I am in one of your intro to psych. classes. I am really enjoying your class. I also really like the idea that you are interested in each of your students enough to make the effort to e-mail them. It's nice to know that a professor cares enough to make personal contact (sort of) when they have so many students. I am an undecided major right now but I am leaning toward a secondary education major in the field of history, modern languages, or German. I guess I just wanted to say hi and thank you for writing (it's nice to get mail in college). I'll see you later.
Sincerely, Cacee

Subj: psychology
Hey Dr. Walsh,
i just wanted to e-mail you and tell you how interesting I find your class to be. I am thinking of a major in Psychology because of your class. You are very interesting to listen because you present interesting material
Maniac

Subj checklist-e-mail-Jennifer
Dear Dr. Walsh,
I wanted to send my e-mail message to you before it was to late. I just learned how to do this, so I hope it woks. This morning when I came to your office I was going to tell you that I really enjoyed your class, but I didn't want you to think that I was trying to kiss up to the teacher. I decided I should tell you anyway because it is always nice to receive a well deseved comliment. Your class is the most interesting class I have this semester. I appreciate this because I am able to learn more. Thank you. Sincerely,
Jennifer

Subj: RE: PSYCH
I wanted to thank you for all of messages you send to us. There are few professors who take that much time to keep in touch with their students I for one really appreciate it. I also thank you for recognizing me for my efforts on our first test. I am working very hard to make sure l do well...and my 2 previous years of college have taught me how to do that. That is why I would like to offer to help other students (particularly freshmen) who may not be doing as well. l don't really know anyone in the class, but if you could offer them my e-mail address, l would gladly help anyone who wants it Free of charge,of course!!) Thanks again!
Michelle

Subj: psych
Good day, Dr. Walsh
My name is Rustin. . ., l go by Russ though. l am in your Intro to Psych class. l spoke to you on Friday about missing class for a court date I have to be at. What may help you put a face with a name) Anyway I am a freshman at U.N.I majoring in psychology with the intentions of taking my education to law school. A lot of people tell me that psychology majors are "a dime a dozen" and the law field is over saturated, but that is where my heart is at so I will do it. I am from . . . Iowa (Southeast part of Iowa) I was really impressed with my first week in your class, you make it interesting above and beyond what you are "required"

Hello,
just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy you class. l find it very easy to pay attention during lecture and I follow you very easy. l think your energy and enthusiasm makes it a really fun class. I also Invented to thank you. You see, on labor day weekend I vvas at my dad's buisness and I was using his computer to look up your home page because you had Just gotten done talking about it in class a couple of days prior. So I showed it to him and he was so impressed with the information that you had on it for students that he decided that I need my very own computer in my room so I can find all the good information that is out there to help me with school. So for my birthday which is next Monday I am getting a comptuer.:) So thank you!

Subj: RE: psych
Dear Dr. Walsh,
Hello, my name is Erica. . . and I am in your intro. to psychology class every Mon., Wed., Fri., from 2:00-2:50. I am just e-mailing you to say that I am really enjoying your class. I think that your lectures are very Interesting. I also think that you do an excellent job of "tuning" in the students, including myself. My declared major is public relations/finance. Actually right now I am sort of undecided. I do have a strong interest in the fluid of medicine. My dad is a medical doctor in________ and growing up I found his job very fascinating and also very important. So I also hope to find a job that Is fascinating and also will make a difference in the world. Some of the things that you talked about in class last week like Attention Deficit Disorder are of interest to me too. Because my mom is a special education teacher and has many students that suffer from this. Anyhow, l think you are doing an outstanding job.

Ms. Walsh
I just recieved your e-mail on my grade. I was thrilled to know that I did well. I just wanted to say that your effort to connect students is greatly appreciated. l was told that all collage professor did not care about students. Your concern Is a welcome relief and I hope I can become as good a teacher as you. Thanks again for the e-maii.
Amber

RE: Psych
Mrs. Walsh-
I can't believe that you have taken your time out of your schedule to even send me a congratulations much less another little note. That just shows your deep concern for the wellness of each student. That is the greatest thing! Thanx again!
Lacey

RE: psych
THANK YOU PROFESSOR WALSH!! I REALLY ENJOYED YOUR CLASS AND I AM CONSIDERING CHANGING MY MAJOR!!! THANKS AGAIN AND I WOULD RECOMMEND TAKING YOUR CLASS TO ANYONE! KELLY

Subj: RE: psych
Walsh,
Thanks for letting me know. Just wanted to tell you that I thouroughly enjoyed your class. As a freshman here at UNI I am glad that I had you as a teacher, otherwise I might have given up hope of ever getting a good teacher. Thanks for the humor! Keep up the good work. (how am I supposed to know? maybe nobody tells you that)
John_______
P.S. Merry Christmas and a happy new Year (just try to keep a lid on that Id)

RE: PSYCH
I was really happy about my A on the Psych test. I studied a lot for it--I guess It payed off. Also, I think it is really great that YOU stay in touch with your students through email. Many professors won't take the time. I give you an "A" in that department!

Subj: Psych
l Thank you for setting up this .e-mail account for me. I am really enjoying it. I am also really enjoying your class. Intro. to Psych. is very much like the Animal Behavior class that I took in my senior year of high school. I enjoy your teaching style, the computer notes are very easy to understand. Keep up the good work. Megan

RE: PSYCH
Thank-you for e-mailing me and encouraging me. I have started to do the little extra things that need to do in order to learn the material and have fun doing It. If I have any questions, I will not hesitate to come talk to you. Lesley

Subj: Intro to Psych
I am in your Intor to Psych class, MWF at 11. I have come down with some sort of flu and missed class on Wednesday. I will not be able to attend class today, as I am still feeling rather sick. My notes due today on Mod. 8 are finished, but I can't get there to turn them in. I don't feel that missing three points will make or break me, but I know that is a way to take attendance every once in a while, and I don't want you to think that I am just skipping class. I would also like to thank you for making a large lecture class more Interactive and fun. My parents have both taught at the university level, and I know how much work and time it takes to make a large lecture feel like a small class. I honestly look forward to Psychology, except when I'm afraid I'll hack up my lunch in class!!
Thanks Kiersten ________

Subj: psych
I am sorry you did not do as well as you probably would have liked on Test 1 in Psych You can however - recover from an initial low Grade since we have so many points availab!e for the semester Perhaps you already realize what you did wrong (things like not reading the chapters early, not studying in some active fashion, not following up on your homework to see if you really understood independent and depencient variables or correlation' missing classes. partying too much not allowing enough studyy time for the exam trying to get by on cramming etc.) You are not alone The first test is often an eye-opener to students that are not used to the independent learning necessary for college courses.

But some of you may have tried to do everything right and still did not earn the grade you waunted. We can get together and try to figure out what you should do differently next time. It's really important to follow up on your exams The same style questions will appear on each exam and, in fact, 15 of the same EXACT questions will be on the final! All of our points add together- so the letter grade indications where our grades are posted are just an indication of where your grade would fall if I had to assign grades today (rather than after we add together many assignments and tests)

So don't despair but DO make an effort to turn things around.

Linda Walsh

Name:
Year in College:
Hometown:
Major:
Campus Address:
Phone:
E-mail:

Are you a computer user? Web user?

Do you have personal access to a computer? CD-ROM? Modem?

Why are you taking Psychology?

Have you taken any Psych classes before?

What is one thing you hope to learn about in this course?

Do you have any concerns about the upcoming semester?

Do you have a job? If so, where? How many hours per week?

What do you like to do when you're not studying or working?

Anything else I should know about you or that you'd care to share?

Greatest accomplishment in high school (or elsewhere)?

If you were to make your best guess what your final grade in this class might be, what would you predict?

Do you have any questions (about the course, prof, the field of psychology, meaning of life etc.)? (actually I'll probably pass on the meaning of life questions....)