How important really is the order in which you do these steps?
How important really is the order in which you do these steps? I tend to do what's natural and not rigidly define how I conduct the first class.
Kenna,
This is one of the most valuable things I create as I do my planning for a new course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having a to-do list for the first day of class will help me stay on track and make sure I cover all of the important information I need to cover.
Juvenal,
Have some fun with ice breakers and the introductions. Sharing a laugh and some interesting information is a good way to the students settled into the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
After taking this on-line course, I can see what were some of the incorrect procedures I made when meeting the class for the first time? Yes, I would introduce myself, the course, asked the students to introduce themselves, would go over the syllabus, but only the grading part and the textbook and then I would start immediately with the first lesson. Now, I will adjust my first class to include the steps of how to meet the class for the first time.
David,
The steps are meant to be suggestions. Use your professional judgment and do those steps that fit your teaching style and the students that are enrolled. Instructors need to be flexible in how they approach their instructional delivery and format.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I understand the reasons for following these steps, my concern is how much time do you spend following them. The course I teach, accounting, is very compressed and is taught in 36 hours. I have some concern as to spending too much time trying to follow these steps. My last course was an income tax course and I felt that 36 hours was not enough time for the students to learn tax law.
Robert,
It is up to you and your feel for the class. There is no specific order that they need to be done. They just need to be covered sometime.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
