First Week Of Class
It is interesting that many students miss the first day of class thinking that they will not miss any-thing, only to find out that they cannot catch up with the rest of the class. Leading to frustration and possible leave of absence, or withdraw.
I usually start off the first day of class by conducting some sort of activity that relates the topic of the course to their life. I teach mainly theoretical (grey) subjects so this is usually quite easy and fun. For example, in my Intro to Sociology class the students take an imaginary trip to the men's restroom to findout that informal social norms have a very powerful impact on every day behavior and that understanding a bit about social behavior, socialization, and social structure will help them understand the world they live in and the people with whom they interact on a daily basis.
Unfortunetly both halves of the curriculum must be self contained, so there can be no overlap. I usually try to do a short introduction in what I would consider the second half so we can start disassembly. The first half has a longer introduction due to some identification topics that require specific lecture.
James--
You bring up great points. In that format, you do in fact need to 'hit the ground running'. Is your class such that the students who began previously could continue working on classwork while you are orientating the new students?
Susan
I teach in a three week/six week program. I have had more than a few students who think that the first day of class is a repeat of what they have had before. Unfortunatly for them I am introducing a 70 year history in those three/six weeks. And we must hit the ground running to stay even. My other concern is that I have over lap with students who started the other 3 weeks previously, so my intro is dull for them.
The first week is analogous to first impressions. They are both critical and vital to student retention.
Jay--
The first day certainly can set the tone for the rest of the class. It is extremely important that the faculty take that opportunity to set clear expectations and do an introduction to the material and what they will be required to do... and any assistance that will be available.
Susan
I BELIEVE THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT. STUDENTS ARE GOING TO MISS THE INTRO. OF THE INSTRUCTOR, CLASS,& WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED OF THEM DURING THE DURATION OF THE CLASS.
True most student's dont realize the importance of the first day. they are most likely thinking that the first day will not be anything more than a welcome to the class. not realizing that alot of important information relating to the class will be presented. and that class schedules dont normaly allow the instructor the time to get the student up to date.
John--
Well said and great use of resources.
Susan
Tutoring labs are an important resource in catching the students up in the first week as remedial/added instruction for the tutors is not usually "in full swing" during the first week. What better way to use this resource than to help "tutor" students into assimilating/catching up for the missed first day.
I realize now that a lot of instructors including myself look at the late enrollers as a hassle, when we should probably be grateful that students were willing to take the risk and jump right in even if they werent completely ready. Instructors should do MORE to support students from this demographic, not less.
Sean--
So true. It sounds like you do this during the class period. Has your institution considered a late orientation during the first week? That might be helpful.
Susan
All of my instructions and helpful hints as to what they are going to do and how my class operates is given within the first two days of class. When students miss this, not only do I have to "get them up to speed", but doing so also takes time away from attention spent with the rest of the class during lab activities.
the first week of class is very important and all the students should attend, because it would be very difficult to catch up if they miss.
Alfredo--
Right you are on both points. Students often don't feel they will really miss anything those first few days. Unfortunately, that is often the case, so we (as educators) need to be sure to make it meaningful.
Susan
I agree that the first week of class, Is the students most important.
Tony--
That is a great observation. Unfortunately, it is often the case that the first day really isn't fully utilized. This should also be encouragement to us make it worthwhile to attend that first day.
Susan
First week of class is very important... its were basic and fundamentals are taught.
Students sometimes think that missing the first few days will not be detrimental to there education only to find to out they missed out on a lot of vital information.
