I really liked the aspect of arriving early in order to interact with the students. As was mentioned, this is a great way to get over nerves.
The syllabus needs to be detailed; it is a kind of contract between myself and the students. Using a checklist is the most helpful thing an instructor can do to help ease the first-class nerves. I also learn that instructional objectives should include four components A-D.
By planning ahead and being prepared for the classroom enviroment,you not only are showing the students what you expect but what will be expected out in the real world when they finish school. So giving or showing this to the students everyday you are setting them up for success, and making your life and there life easie.
Acknowlegement and reflection with the students should be a major part of their learning engagement.
Reply to Tikeama Buckingham's post:
It's also good to carry a notepad to record any supplies you might need. I jot down a lot of short hand notes on my notepads.
Be prepared and thoughtful about the material you are presenting.
The importance of syllabi, objectives and course outlines for students.
I will als now take a more novel approach to the use of textbooks in/for my classes.
Fianlly, the importance of (effective) goal setting.
This module confirmed many of the things I do naturally when I teach a ground-based class. I find that going a little early is a good thing. Not only does it help me get in teaching mode, but often, students will ask questions or tell me something about themselves, or what we are working on that helps me get a better sense of where they are with the work I have asked them to do.
Online instruction is not like this. I find it more challenging to create that bond with students that allows them to feel comfortable asking questions and talking. So, for me, the challenge is still about creating community in online learning.
That the students will "evaluate" you as well as the course.
It is important to be prepared and review course objectives with the students to allow them to prepare for note-taking as well as guidelines of what they are learning.
Plan and prepare for the class so the students recieve the best experience.
Taking the time to know a student's name is very beneficial, as it shows the students that you are invested in them and their learning. This may be the catalyst to reach a student who feels invisible or that he is just a body in a seat. Also, proper planning before a class prevents poor performance from you as the teacher and the student.
Reply to Tikeama Buckingham's post:
The notebook sugestion I do find very handy. There are times students will have several issues as once.
Keeps everything organized for furture reference.
Audience, Behavior, Condition, and Degree. Coming to class early allows the instructor time to set up for lecture and the instructor has a chance to get a feel for how receptive the students will be.
The main thing I learned was that planning your class and making a good sylabus is of upmost importance.
Also, that students are ussualy nervous when they start a new course, therfore, you must put yourself in their shoes in order to make things a little easier for them.
Barbara McDuffie
I agree handsdown, that preparation is the key that with day of class. It sets the rhythm of the mode.
Come to class early for preparation. Explain my objectives and goals
It is important to spend ample time planning for your class, reading the material and arriving to class early so the learning environment will be more relaxed for the students as they enter the classroom.
I think this lesson covered standard terms and showed some good videos on how to keep organized in your classrooms
The syllabus is a road map and it is important to complete a checklist so you can make sure you have covered all the pertinent items for that class day.
