first day
Make sure the students know what is expected of them the first day.
set the ground rules the first day and you wont have any problems
The first day is most important as you will contect with the students present goals and follow thru the success for each student.
It is actually one of my favorite days. This were i can see the excitement in there eyes and mine. I have the opportunity to set the tone. To let them know how much fun and exciting its going to be. They actually chose me so I try to let them know that they made the right choice for their future in the industry.
The first day is most important as you will contect with the students present goals and follow thru the success for each student.
An effective tool for 1st day is a check-off sheet - outline everything that needs to be done and sequence each event to end so as to coincide with "natural" interruptions such as breaks, visitors and lunch. Plan a time-line and stick to it. Leave yourself some leeway and work hard to anticipate unscheduled disruptions. Mark your sheet as each task in accomplished. If you maintain a steady, structured pace and engage them throughout the 1st day, (which is often boring SOPs, syllabus, assignments and paperwork) you'll have successfully transitioned them into your own style of presentation in a competant manner.
Hi Teresa,
You make a good point about helping students to see the big picture of what is going to be required of them in total, not just the assignments but professional growth and opportunities as well.
Gary
Some of the students only focus on the assignments so it it very important to go over the syllabus the first day. It is important for them to understand what is expected of them and what to expect in that class from day one.
Hi Jerod,
Way to start a new class. Set everyone at ease, let them get to know you and each other then you can get to the heart of the course. Good strategy.
Gary
Hi Thom, I totally agree I also am very animated almost comical and usually tell them I had alot of coffee (it gets a good laugh) as I move around the room showing where everything is.
Ken
The first day is the most important.I like to keep it kinda humerous.I tend to make people feel at ease very quickly.I use this talent to set the pace for a upbeat,joyful learning experience.
Use the first day to show your style,your aproach to teaching. Are you relaxed ? Do you use humorous anecdotes ?
Use the first day to ensure the students know what you expect form them.
its natual for everyone the be apprehensive on the first day of a new course or environment so settin the tone and creating a good learning environment make the entire course go smoother for all envolved. letting the students know all that is expected ogf them and how they will reach their and your goals does this.
The first day can be hectic so, yes it is a good reminder for me as well as each student.
I agree. I like to go through the syllabus the first day so I can refer back to it throughout the quarter when answering questions about class expectations(re:attendance, grading, late work, etc.) Having the students sign the syllabus is an effective way to remind them that the expectations were established the first day.
The first is critical,the most important day the day that well determine how the rest of the rotation well go.
I like to go through the syllabus with the students so that we are all on the same page as far as expectations, class work, class policies and grading.
The first day is critical , because that is when the course objectives are laid out and all the pre-requisites are met
