First day importance
I have always felt strongly about creating a student-friendly atmosphere immediately on the first day of class. This course has not only reinforced my notion, but has taught me that the first day of class is even more important than I had originally thought. The first day can dictate the tone (for better or worse) for the rest of the semester.
Robert,
Well said about the engagement factor for students. We must set a positive tone for the class from day one and then proceed to build upon that. You are right we will not get them all but the majority will benefit from our efforts and their lives will be shaped as a result of the effort we put forth in our instruction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I concur with the statements others have made here from my personal experiences...each class is different and one never knows what to expect but one thing is a stable datum....The first day! I have found that when the first encounter is a good one then so goes the class in that direction. The obverse is also true as it is so hard to turn a class around after a rocky start. The tone is set on that first day and the instructor MUST demonstrate leadership along with an ample supple of Command and Control. Without these there will be an overall failure for most members of the class. Many may pass but still most will feel the difference! If their hearts are not in it then learning and excitement go out of the window.,
Terry,
Every so often we instructors deserve a class like you just had. What a great time you must have had teaching them. I am starting six new classes in the next couple of weeks and I hope I get several classes like you experienced. You are right about how they each are very different and it is always a surprise as to how the classes come together. It is for sure that teaching is never boring.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have been an Instructor for 10 years. I am always amazed at how some student groups are so different. My last group was great, no attendance issues, no attitudes, they did what was expected of them and on time. I know that this will not always be the case but I certainly enjoyed it. I told them on the "First Day" that it would be a challenging class and a challenging schedule, it would require their attention,focus, good attendance and hard work, but it would pay off when they graduated. After the "First Night" introductions, review of all policies , syllabus ..... and so-on, we started digging in. I think making my expectations clear, setting the bar high, had a lot to do with having such a sucessful class. BTW - everyone passed , and the lowest score was a 94.
Katie,
I love hearing stories like this. Thanks for sharing it with us. You impacted the lives of your students while maintaining your professional perspective. This is what we should be doing as dedicated instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I remember my first day was rough. The students had formed a pal like relationship with their former instructor. They had no respect for rules or myself or for the school. I had to have lots of compassion and show the students that I was there for them but still set the tone where I could be respected.At graduation a student made a testomony regarding how grateful she was to have me as her instructor. It was a very rewarding feeling.
Domenick,
Right you are and that is why it is so important to plan well for the first day.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
