The First Day
I always enjoyed the first day of classes. It lets the students know who you are, and also give you an insight on who they are, what concerns they have and it also allows them to make new friends of their classmates. I also like that when going over the course requirements it allows the students to ask any questions that concern them about the course.
Mark,
I love the first day of class as well. It is so much fun to see the new crop of students and to learn about their backgrounds and experiences. I like yourself want this first class meeting to be a good one where we get to know each other and get settled into the course. From there it is the process of earning the respect of the students and developing rapport with them as the course unfolds.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My first day teaching a new semester is always full of anticipation. Will my students show up? Will they be interested in the subject matter? What challenges will we encounter throughout the semester?
One of the worst things that happens, in my opinion, before a class begins, is when another faculty member shares their opinions of the new students. I.e., John Smith is a really smart student, Jane always has issues.
I feel by other faculty members influencing my first impressions of the students, it can create a sense of prejudice to the new student. It is, in the majority of cases, our first time meeting each other and I wouldn't want the students to have prejudgements of myself.
Shaun,
What a great way to make it "real" for the students while letting them get settled into the class with the mixer. From there you have a foundation upon which to build your rapport with them as the course unfolds.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We actually have a mixer on the first day with food and refreshments and show a mock surgery in our lab to show them where they will be in a short time.
Kurt,
Thank you for the kind words about how the course is helping you to expand your expertise as a learning leader. Keep up your effort to expand your knowledge and increase your effectiveness as a educator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach at a school that has a very accelerated program. Our first day intro is rather quick. We do, however, stay in line with the outline of the module 3 segment in this course. It works very well and, I might add, so far this course is very insightful.
Lynn,
Nerves are common no matter how long you have taught. With a fun ice breaker, introductions and some time spent with the new students the nerves go and the learning begins. Always like starting a new course because I am amazed at the diverse experiences my students have had and I get to learn from them while they are in my class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I sometimes feel as nervous as the new students must be! Once we get settled in and begin getting to know one another and the students learn what is expected of them in class and what they are going to learn, it makes it all worth all the nervousness!
Violet,
I enjoy the first class meeting as well. I am always amazed at the diverse experiences my students have had and what knowledge they bring to the class. Each new class is like opening a surprise package. I never know who I will have in class and what I will be able to learn from my current class of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
