Small Ways to Help Students Feel Noticed

Zoë Cohen teaches courses with large numbers of students at the University of Arizona. Still, she’s found a variety of ways to help them feel like more than a number. Here are some examples.

Build excitement

A couple of weeks before a course begins, Cohen sends a message to students. Rather than give them a homework assignment or list of policies, she expresses her excitement, hoping to build that feeling in her students. Cohen also takes the opportunity to explain the collaborative-learning style she uses, and the benefits she thinks it brings to students. The note’s core point: “I can’t wait to meet you guys.”

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Signal commitment

At the start of the semester, Cohen has students fill out a faculty/student contract establishing what she expects of them in the course. The professor also lists the commitments she is making to them, and signs a copy for each student. “I think it’s worth the time,” she said, “to show them that I’m taking it seriously.”

Acknowledge the broader context

Throughout the semester, Cohen will post holiday wishes on the course website for the observances of different religious traditions, as well as occasions like Veterans Day that may be especially meaningful for some of her students. She will also take note of significant news events that may be affecting their lives.

Stay in touch

Once they’re through with her course, Cohen will accept former students’ Facebook friend requests, she said, and makes a point of wishing them a happy birthday. One of her own high-school teachers still acknowledges her birthday, she said, and she always gets a kick out of it.