First day
First day you can get a feel for you students the ones that are late, the condtion of there books from the last class,who sits int he back of the class.When set the pace for the class it will go very well for you.
I totally agree. Reinforcing knowledge the students already know is just as important as teaching them new information.
-Jeff
Hi Rick,
Students have to feel as though they are getting their money's worth, otherwise a retention problem will begin.
Patricia
I agree Patricia,
I always want what is best for the students, never wanting their education to suffer from my inabilities as an instructor. I would like them to feel that being in my classroom was a very good investment in their time.
Rick
Hi Michael,
You're right. You want to do what is best for everyone. I can tell you are there for your students.
Patricia
Not only are you assessing the students needs, but are also assessing what needs you will have with these students. Not all classes are the same as far as what the overall class will need. When you put certain students together they sometimes do not enteract well, or they enteract great together. But the idea here is to learn what it will take to make this course the best for all concerned.
Hi Hans,
In some classes, such as typing and computers I can determine which students are weak. A lot can be determined on the first day.
Patricia
Hi Corey,
What do you typically do on the first day?
Patricia
For example, I teach sociology, so they may not have ever had a sociology course, however, they know more about it than they think and it will be familiar to them. Many concepts and ideas they are familiar with, just never knew the name!
I have always enjoyed the first day with a new group. Introductions are fun between the class and myself and explaining the course material and expectations. There are many ways to read the new group from attendance to seating arangements. I watch and listen very closely to see if anyone stands out that could need extra help or even possibly be the disruptive one.
Hello Dee,
When do you begin to notice that your students are not being "real" and what behavior do they normally display when not being "real?"
Patricia
Hi Corey,
What type of reassurance would you share on the first day?
Patricia
I also think it is a good time to reassure them. Many may know about the topic then they think and to explore that. Get to know if they had taken the topic in the past or have an interest in it.
First impression on the first day are important. The students will often be very real on the first few days.
Hello Leonard,
There is a high correlation between Day 1 and the final day. Students appreciate knowing goals and expectations up front.
Patricia
I find the more time I spend day 1 on setting goals and expectations as well as getting to know what my students goals and expectations are the more cohesive and successful my classes are on the final day.
Taking time get everyone "on the same page" leads to less disapointment and anxiety.
Hi Cynthia,
The first day is an awesome introductory day from people, to rules, policies, procedures, etc. Everyone looks forward to the first day!'
Patricia
Hello Shannon,
You are right, the first days are great to assess students' needs. Generally, I typically use about 5-7 class meetings to assess students' needs and the first test, and then too, it really depends on the student. The length of time to assess students' needs can vary by students.
Patricia
First days are great to asses students needs.
The first day is a great day to observe your students behavior and also a great day to give them a chance to know you and there peers.
