Hi Steve,
As many have said previously,get the classes material in order,review the sylabus,schedule and have the handouts ready.I also tend to have the jitters every time,no matter how many times I do a particular course-its not from not knowing the material,but from meeting the new students and trying to figure out their personalities.I also like to do an'introduce yourself'round,I think it helps the students also familiarize themselves with their classmates-the ones they will be working with in class and lab.I like to know where from,how long to graduation,post grad plans,etc.I believe it helps break the ice,so that we can move into course material a little more at ease.
Pete Johannsen
Steve:
As many have said, I make sure the classroom is in order so students can see things are organized. I also make sure to review the material (rules, expectations, course structure etc.) before class so the information is fresh in my mind. Even though I may have taught the class previously, I seem to always think of things to add and I make sure to note where I would like to add them. This not only gets out the cobwebs, it allows me to develop a good "flow" which tends to get the students more motivated for what they are about to learn.
Hi James,
Way to go in getting a class started. You know your students, you are organized and ready to teach. I know this makes everything much easier for both your students and yourself. Keep up the good work.
Gary
The key for me is knowing the students. I take a couple of days before the class starts and review the attendance and grade records of each of the students I am about to get. This gives me a picture of what to expect to a certain degree. Of course, there really is nothing that can totally prepare you for what is to come, but this seems to help a great deal. I also use a seating chart to help me facilitate the roll call better and to help me learn each students name quicker. The students seem to show more respect when they are recognized personally. I always have the class schedule posted on the board, and we also do a short get-to-know-you session as well as go over the rules of conduct for the classroom and the lab. I make sure the students know exactly what I expect of them and what they can expect from me.
I like to have my class room as neat, clean and organized as possible with the class objectives and requirements listed on the board. I want to have all hand out materials all ready printed, organized, and reviewed prior to the start of the class. It is important for me to verify that all equipment to be used is in good working order, it is easier for me to handle any unexpected and unforseen bloopers that might occur, according to Murphy's Law if I am organized. Being organized sets the standard and pace for the class and lets the student know that you are very serious about the course and their success. I want to be in the class room early to greet each student and chitchat with them to eliminate as much tension as possible, 1st day jitters you know. It lets me set the standard for the class, this way the student knows he can come in early and I will be their in case he or she needs one on one help, from day one too the end of the course.
It is important to be overly prepared. Also it is important to keep flexability in how you are going to teach the course. Each class is a little different from the last one, so slight changes will have to be made for each class. If you start the class with the expectations clearly laid out with the course objections you should have very little problems with the class.
My first class of a new phase means that I must get the strength to stand in front of a new group of faces and present myself. This usually requires a little work on my part. Such as get the books, setting up a seating chart, checking my PowerPoint to ensure it works correctly, placing the schedule on the board and an small outline as to what the class will be doing for the next three weeks. After teaching for over 20 years it still is a rush to stand in front of anew class, even if it only last for a few minutes. The hardest part of a new class for me, is trying to learn the names of the new students and match to their faces.
Robin Norris
The first class preperation needs a veriety of components to make it enjoyable, interesting and informitive. Regardless of how experianced you are, review the material and outline a schedule. Prepare any handouts ahead of time and have them avalible when the time comes, nothing is more distracting then leaving the class to make handouts. Be ready to help the students understand what they are going to learn, why its important to them, how they will recive the information and how they can know if they have been successful in the course. Know your grading procedure and test schedule and be ready to present it to the students.Get your happy face on, and be entusiastic about what your going to do. This is how I would prepare for my first class meeting.
One of the first things I do is to look over the roll sheet. This gives me an idea of how big the class will be, allowing me to make sure there are enough desks/chairs available. I also review my syllabus for the class and make sure its up to date. A minor detail, but I also spell out my last name phonetically so that people can pronounce it!
Hi Steve
My first day of class i always go over the material for the day. and make sure the room is prepared for the class which them makes my life a lot less stressful
Hello Mr. Nelson,
My class preperation starts well before the start date of the new course. I make sure all my training aids are in working order, and I have copies of all the material I will be handing out during that course. I also print out a schedule, and lay out in detail what will be covered each day. This gives me the piece of mind knowing that I have everything I need in order to deliver a quality class. A little something I also do is have a plan B. You never know when you might loose a training aid.
Every first class meeting will be nerve racking. I find by preparing well in advance and doing some mental practice. I imagine greeting the class, doing the introductions, and making the transition to the class material. The class will usually follow your guidance if it flows smooth..
Bernie
The way I prepare for the first class meeting is to be as prepared as possible. The first impression is the most important, if I appear to be unorganized or have no cofindance I will loose the classes repect, and that hard to get back. I set a clear expectation of the course objectives and rules and adheir to them firmly but with respect to the learners.
Obviously being well prepared for the first day of class is not only very important but will also set the tone for the entire course. Having a thorough knowledge of the technical material boosts my confidence and puts me more at ease. I also like to have any printed material I will need already out and readily available along with any information I will use on the PC open and minimized so I have easy access to it when I need it. If I will be using any training aids I always verify they are working properly and readily available before class begins. I also like to make sure the classroom is clean and properly equipped and will give a good first impression.
I am always excited when stating a new class. Spend some time reviewing the class outline and schedule that will be presented. Preview the powerpoint presentation so that you are prepared for each slide as it comes up. Provide an exciting class inroduction including subjects to be covered, tests, lab projects and special excelerated learning activities that will be accomplished.
Check that all equipment, books and supplies needed are acquired.
Be prepared to meet and greet the studens as they enter the classroom. During the class introduction I always spend some discussing and asking the students about their future plans as to explain how this subject will be important to them in the employment market, and encourage them to continue into advanced training
Stan
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for sharing this opening class strategy. I know it will be of benefit to many of the participants. Keep up the good teaching I know your students are benefiting greatly from your expertise.
Gary
This sounds like exactally what I do my first class. I love to go over the syllabus, objectives, expectations. I always sound like a "hard" teacher that first day, but I try to make it personable too.
Another good idea is to write your expectations on the board and hide it. Then ask the students what they expect from you and write it on the other side of the board. Then compare the two and see how they are so similair.
Deborah Carter
Team,
I find it very important to have reviewed the lesson's objectives, find all the class materials needed and have them prepared. and run through the power point or classroom visual aids as required to re-familurize yourself with them so you know exactly what is comming next when you push that button. It is also importatnt to be there to meet and greet your new students before class, that seems to help "break the ice" and curb any professionalism issues privately and personally right up front.
Mike T
I start off each new course with materials readily available: Syllabus, class requirements etc. I have the students give a brief introduction; Name, Age,where they are from, why they are here at school,and their future plans with what they gain from their education here. I go over class rules and expectations. I let them know what they can expect from me as an educator. They normally inquire as to what my background is. This Q and A sets up the class for an easy atmosphere for the rest of the course. I have had great success in practicing this, as well it gets me on a first name basis quickly with the students and gives me some insight to each ones individuallity.
Hi Steve
I make sure that all of the items that I am using are available and readily accesible. I make sure the the classroom is organized (tables straight, desk cleaned off, training aids are orgainized). print name plates for the desk for each student. Then all required school forms are placed on the desk along with the class outline. Last put not less that the lab area is clean and organized.
