First day prep
I've found that the first day of class sets the tone for the whole phase. Good class control on the first day is vital to establish a proper learning enviroment and to head off future problems. Before class starts I like to have the course materials laid out at every seat, chairs down, and the room organized. I know I have to have my best game face on for the first day, first impressions set the tone. If I have a student that is disruptive, which is very rare, I make a point of yanking his sorry butt out into the hall for alittle heart to heart chat about what I expect from him. This is always appreciated by the rest of the students.
Doug Ramsey, Instructor,UTI Avondale
Hi William,
Good point about how to get the attention of your students from the very beginning of class. You raise a good point about reading the non-verbals in the students as they really help you to keep your finger on the pulse of the class.
Gary
The first day and week set the tone for the term: positively or negatively. You have to grab their attention and focus quickly. Also, "sell" the importance of the topic and your excitment as well. The non-verbals are crucial, maybe even more than the verbals.
I agree with you. It’s important to make positive
first impressions at the beginning
of the class because first
impressions last a long time. By preparing ahead of time showing the students you know what you are doing it is going to lay a good foundation.
I would agree. The getting to know you process begins on the first day and continues through out the course but the first day is always the toughest.
The first day of class not only sets the tone but is a good time for the students to learn how the instructors is and the instructor can learn the class.
I agree that the first day sets the tone for subsequent classes.
Hi Soo Kim,
Yes "ice breakers" are a good way to start a class even with 50 students. The best way is to divide the students into groups and have them work on some activities and then report back to the class. These small groups interactions really help the students to get to know each other and you as well.
Try to use an ice breaker that has them learning something new about their field. These ice breakers also help you to find a knowledge baseline for your students. I use fun and quick pretests to establish a base line of knowledge so I know where to start with my students.
The key is to get them talking with each other about the content of the course and how the class is going to proceed.
Gary
I agree that the first day of class is very important in setting the tone for the rest of the term. I have read that "ice breakers" are a good way to get to know students and to introduce them to one another, but is this practical in a group of 50 students?
thank you for the input i will put it to good use.
Hi Joe,
Welcome to the profession! You are going to enjoy it.
Several things you can do to set the stage for your first class.
Be prepared. Have your syllabus ready to hand out along with the course policies.
Plan an "ice breaker" that will help the students to get to know each other. An example is have the students pair off and then get to know each other. After about 5 minutes have each student introduce the person they chatted with. This way they will remember at least the name of one other student as well as some important facts about them.
Have an activity that allows the students to experience the career area up close and personal. Maybe a walk through the lab or present them with a case study and have them come up with solutions in groups of 3-4.
Give a brief overview of your experiences to establish yourself as a creditable instructor. This may be your first day as an instructor but you have a life time of experiences to bring to the class.
Start on time and demonstrate that you are the leader of the class through your self confidence, organization and modeling of proper behavior.
Good luck. Let me know how your first day goes.
Gary
this is going to be my first day of teachimg class i would really like to know what i should do to make sure that my students, Have a positive learning enviroment? any suggestions would help thanks.
I agree, the first day of class will set your general standards, and will provide a clear field for the students as far as what to expect for the entire course.
