First impressions
A smile breaks the tension. Be in the classroom, dressed appropriately. Be organized. Talk with students one on one.
It is not about you, it is about the students. Intorduce yourself and explain your background. Reinforce the fact that you are there to help them suceed. Reinforce that you are therre to learn with them and from them as they from you.
Next, insure everyone is in the correct class. Explain teh objectives and how you plan to help them absorb the material. I frequently explain my teaching practices and this relaxes the students knowing they will have fun learning.
Thirty years of experience is hard to roll into one expanation. Learn from yourself and improve each and every class.
Hi Thomas,
You are so right about the first class meeting setting the stage. We all have had a first class that tells us that the next few weeks are going to take our all out effort in order to reach them, while other classes seem like they could be successful even if we didn't show up. It is amazing how the dynamics change from each class.
Gary
A great first day I have found to be the gauge of how the class will go in general. If it starts out bumpy, I will have to spend time establishing trust. The moment everyone is comfortable in the class is when passion and heart can reveal itself within the course. The students are then ready to listen to everything I have to say.
I have to agree these are very wise words.
Hi Anthony,
Good advice for all instructors. This is a great list for instructors to review and follow each time they start a new class.
Gary
