Day One sets the tone
I have found that on day one, the tone for the entire course can be set by following a well planned and organized introduction including all of the examples in the module.
Gail and Gary,
I also agree that you should clearly set the expectations, requirements, and policies on the first day of class. I also believe that it is important to get to know each student by asking the students to introduce themselves. This has helped me greatly in keeping my students engaged and involved over the next six weeks.
Susanne
It does set the tone. It can be changed though.
If day one didn't turn out right (and it does happen), things can be turned around depending on how creative an instructor can be. It's the first day...the first time to meet with the students. The chemistry sometimes doesn't work the first time....
Yes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Stock phrase but so true.
It does set the tone, definitely. That doesn't mean that you are done for the quarter or semester, but it does start it off either well or badly!
I agree. On day one I'm a bit stern, and I loosen up as the days progress. I feel that this allows them to understand the importance of my class and my leadership.
Hi Arturo,
Good point. Setting the tone for the class is critical. By setting a positive atmosphere the students will look forward to attending the class and gaining the benefit that comes from newly acquired knowledge.
Gary
I feel the same way, as a fomer Law Enforcment i have the understanding that "day one" sets the tone for your students on what type of teacher you are. Fair but firm is the way i look at it. Set your tone and stand by it, cause misrepresentation will make it hard to get out of. Student will see this and respect you for it.
Hi Rita,
By knowing the course expectations, requirements and policies right up front the students can get settled into the course quicker knowing what they are going to be doing. As you say they can create for themselves a calendar for the upcoming course with this information.
Gary
I think it is very important that students know what is expected of them the first day of class. The projects and other work that need to be covered in class. Knowing all these will allows them to plan ahead.
Hi Gail,
I am of the same thinking. I want to lay out from day one expectations, requirements and polices. This way "we" all understand what is going to occur over the course phase. Then as we get to know each other better we can relax and develop rapport.
Gary
My experience has been that Day One sets the tone as far as what the expectations are of me. At least that is what I convey. And I'm pretty strict on that. Once the class is under way and I follow the course content, things start to relax a little, but the students know up front on day one what my expectations are of them.
Hi Daniel,
The intent of the content of the first module get instructors prepared to meet a group of students for the first time. There is always a case of nerves that goes with starting a new course. If an instructor has prepared well and is confident in the material and resources available then he or she can let the class unfold just as you indicated. Having trained several thousand instructors over the years I can say from experience that they need to know how to make a solid focused first impression. What may come naturally to you and it sounds like you are a natural teacher does not come for them. They have a very difficult time of being in front of students that very first day. With the suggestions given and the understanding of how first impressions can be made then the new instructors are going to have a positive first class meeting which will lead to many more great days in the classroom.
Gary
I'm not so sure about that. Indeed, there's wisdom in that old soldier's addage that no battle plan ever survives the first skirmish! No matter what I've planned or prepared, no class has ever unfolded that first day quite as I had expected it. Usually I must think on my feet more the first day of class than any other. And no depth of preparation has ever alleviated that need to respond to the unforeseen in the classroom.
Also, I think that too much importance is attached to the first class meeting in this module. This need to control first impressions is an attempt to play to deeply ingrained prejudices in our interactions. Frankly, I find much of the joy in teaching from what unfolds little by little each time a class meets. And as a student, that was my joy in learning as well. On those occasions when I have front-loaded my students' first impressions, I've left the classroom wondering if somehow I had denied them that opportunity.
