First Day of Class
The first day of class is the most critical time for faculty. It is important that the instructor makes sure that all courses objectives are discussed and the syllabus is reviewed thoroughly and professionally. By the end of the first day of class, the students should have all their anxieties removed and have a true understanding of what will they will learn and what will be required of them.
Carolyn,
Good advice for a first time teacher working through the first day nerves. Sounds like you are doing a great job with your students and that you have settled into your routine.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
My first day of class was very nerve-wracking for me: The class was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and I felt surely it went badly and I was losing them. I did in fact lose a few, and I did take it personally, but I also know that this happens regardless. Most of the students stuck with me and we had a very good rapport going by the end of it. My advice would be to try not to think of it as being under the microscope, that it will make or break your class, etc. Just be yourself. If you are comfortable (which I wasn't) and engaging with them, that sends an even greater message that you and the class are worth it.
Hi Joan,
Great advice for every instructor. By following the advice you have listed an instructor will be able to get the class off to a good start and earn the respect of the students.
Gary
Day One, Keep in mind you are under the microscope BIG TIME. This is your make it or break it opportunity for setting the tone of your classroom. Students will decide on this day whether or not they are excited about this class and YOU. Be approachable, professional, knowledgeable,consistent, and compassionate; and your well on your way to your class respecting you.
The first day of class is extrememly important. If the first day goes poorly, there is a much higher chance that some may not come back. It is also extremly important to have the right instructor for students first course.
Hi Kathy,
Right you are. This is why this day needs to have a lot of preparation put into it. The first impression is critical and long lasting, we need to get it "right".
Gary
I believe that everyone should hark back to their first day of any class...no one comes in knowing how it will go. To empathize the feeling of anxiety and fear of the unknown that the student is experiencing, really gives the instructor a great opportunity to make it a positive day.
Hi Ernestina,
Good strategy for keeping the course moving forward while getting those that have been absent up to date.
Gary
Yes, it is a vital day for all involved in the class. What I do is I will hand out syllabus and any other hand-out material from the previous day/days, then tell the student that we will cover the days lession and will discuss what they have missed after class and as to when they can make up it up. This way it dosen't disrupt the class for the other students.
Hi Albert,
On the first day of class I start with dress code policies, school policies, and I always go with a tour of the facilites, equipment and use of equipment, course outline, and an interactive conversation on additional information needed on the class to function.
I agree. It should be a nice balance of getting to know the students, getting them to know you and laying out policy and expectations for the course.
Hi Cristian,
Your last sentence really lays it out for the students. They have to be informed clearly and accurately about expectations, requirements and polices. This gives them the foundation from which you are going to operate the course in the coming weeks.
Gary
I think that the first day of class sets the tone for the rest of the class, but it's also important to show different qualities such as knowledgeable and fair in the assesment of questions. But most importantly, one should really give very direct instructions about the learning outcomes
Hi Joseph,
I move on. Many students feel that the first day of class is not important so they don't come. I move on the second day and give those that missed the first day the handouts and syllabus. I tell them to read the material and if they have any questions they can ask me outside of class or just before class on the third day. If I don't do this then I am rewarding those that come the 2 day rather than those that were there the first day. I have to send a message that I value attendance from day one.
Those that miss the first day get the message quickly and from then on I don't have a big problem with attendance. I have students that miss but they tell before hand and the reason because they don't want to "upset" me with their surprise absence. If they don't let me know before hand they are going to be gone they email or call me before the next class to let me know the reason for their absence.
Gary
I agree that this day is vital both for the students and the instructor. How do you deal with students that miss this day and show up on day 2 of the class? They now disturb the flow of day 2 because you have to review what they missed on day 1.
The first day is always exciting for the instructor, but the student is filled with anxiety. It is important to make them feel comfortable and confident they will be capable of course requirements
Hi Theresa,
Taking over an existing class is always a challenge. Glad to hear that you feel you have set the tone for "your" class. This is critical at the beginning so the students will trust you and respect you and what your are doing as their new instructor. I commend you for your confidence and ability to take a difficult situation and make it a positive experience for the students.
Gary
i started my first day today. the kids had a lot to say about the turnover in instructors. being my first day, i reassured them that everything will work out. etc.... i think i set the tone...
