first day
is the real orientation to me you acn see the personalities mesh
Hey Terrell,
We hold an orientation the week before classes start. I also hold a specific program meeting so I can get all of my students in one place to prepare them for their classes and answer any questions they might have. I like to see how their personalities mold with each other and how the classroom atmosphere is going to jive.
Gloria,
These sound like excellent exercises that involve them getting up and moving around. That is always a good thing, especially on the first day.
Susan Backofen
On the first day of class can ease a lot of the tension or stress that a student might be feeling. By introducing myself and sharin that I had completed the same program and tell of some of the struggles and successes that I had. The student starts to realize that their instructor identifies with them and I can start to see them relax.This then can be followed by them introducing themselves and telling why they selected this program and their future plans.
This is true, but there are other things that are more important. Making the students feel that they made a good choice, and that they will be able to be successful is the priority. Once that is done you can move on from there.
On the first day of class I introduce myself and set the classroom environment. We play a icebreaker game such as People Bingo or What did you see on your way to class today. Its really fun because students have to remember everyone's names that went before them as well as what everyone saw on their way to class. The whole class have lots of fun with it and it is a great stress releaser.
On the first day I meet with the clinical students in the cafeteria for coffee and to talk about why they decided to be here and what their expectations are. I tell them exactly what and how we are going to be doing and that I will do my best to help them succed
During my first class I do a brief introduction of myself and credentials and then give them a couple of personal tidbits; hobbies, talents, likes/dislikes. After I finish, I go around the room and have each student introduce themself and tell something about themself. We review the syllabus and classroom expectations and then play a game to introduce the course.
I have recently started doing a "scavenger hunt" for things listed on the syllabus to incorporate into first day fun. This also gives them an additional opportunity to go over our "road map" for the class.
Excellent idea Joan. I follow a similar path. This allows the students to loosen up before the tough lessons begin.
First days the best and most important time to set the rules out as well as rewards and consequences
The first day is the most important day to make clear your rules and expectations including consequences.
great way to see their personalities pop out
On the first day we introduce ourselves, tell our reason for joining the program and play a game as an ice breaker. After they feel warm and fuzzy, we begin class.
