Metting class for the first time
How should you recover for a difficult first class meeting? For example, one of my frist class meetings, my required text was unavailable and I was not sure when they would arrive for students to purchase. I had only one week to prepare for the class and didn't have login information to use technical equipment like screens and projectors for presenations as well as other problems. I made the best of it, but I felt that my first impression suffered somewhat with my students.
Hi Vicki,
I would be honest with the class and of course start the next class with an apology and let them know what happened such as a problem with the login information.
After letting them know what caused the confusion, you now have a second opportunity to show your organization skills and how good of an instructor you are as you present the learning material.
Hi Vicki,
I would prepare an attractive course handout that contains information that you are going to cover. This is in addition to your syllabus. This will demonstrate to your students your organizational ability and that you are a good class manager. Be candid about the textbook delay and getting access to the technical content. In all conversations with the students show them you know how to manage the classroom and have extensive experience in the subject content.
By showing them your organizations skills and ability to conduct the classes it won't be very long before the students will forget about the rocky start and will focus on what is happening currently in the class.
Good luck with your teaching. I know you are going to develop into an excellent instructor.
Gary
