Use a course sylabus. show the students the actual text book and materials and explain when labs and participation is mandatory, tell them what's expexted for the next day and what will need to be accomplished by the end of the day.
I think it's better to overview the program and going deeper each day when the topic comes up.
I ask the students to introduce themselves then I introduce myself, before going through the topics of the class and syllabus.
I go over the syllabus, due dates of the assignments, the effect absences have on grades, and let them know that announcements on the class website will keep them up todate on any changes or additions.
Hi Rory,
I would suggest that you do some type of "ice breaker" that has the students using some of the terms unique to the field or doing a problem solving activity. Divide the class up into groups and have them compete playing a game that uses topics or examples of the field. The point is get the students talking among themselves, getting to know each other, using some of the activities or language unique to the field and having fun with the career area. This will help to get the first day off to a great start. You will be building team work and rapport with your students.
Gary
The first day of class I have the students go to My website. They then follow me throught the webpages that illustrate the syllabus. The webpages have more information on them then the syllabus pages.
They can refer to the webpage or printout a copy of the syllabus after my presentation.
I go over the syllabus on the first day of class and also cover all assignments. Then we talk about what is expected from everyone in the class. Is there anything that I could do to make the first day more interesting to the students?
I ask questions during the lecture and lab teaching periods in order to reinforce the students' knowledge of the course material. I use real-life case studies in the classroom, and students apply and practice the techniques I teach them during lab.
Thank you,
Manju
it inportant to set the expectations in first day of class so student understand what needs to be done
Hi Jan,
Having an understanding of clear expectations helps everyone, both students and teacher to get off on the right foot at the beginning of a new class. This way the students can spend time being focused on the course content rather than wondering what you want from them.
Gary
I find the combination of written and spoken communication the most effective. I give them a detailed and explicit hand out and then discuss it point by point. I ask if everyone is clear about expectations.
Setting clear expectations in the begining makes the entire class flow more smoothly.
Hi Denesica,
Also by having the class rules and expectations in writing as well as explaining them you help the students to recognize how the course is going to operate and it reduces confusion as to what your expectations are.
Gary
Give them class rules and expectations in writing, along with a welcome to the class speech.
Hi Cindy,
Good way to start the class. This way when questions come up you can point to the syllabus and the form they signed. This will reduce much time for you in explaining what you have already explained before.
Gary
I am currently a clinical instructor. On the first meeting, I list and explain the skills the students will have to master and accompany this with a written plan. The students then have to sign off that they understand what is expected of them.
Hi David,
In helping your students become part of the equation what do you see as the greatest teaching in getting them to see how they fit into the equation?
Gary
Hi Frank,
Student need to know what the requirements and expectations of the course are. You are right on by letting them know from the first class meeting what is going to be expected of them.
Gary
I ask them point blank, then I turn the questiion around so to see how they process the question. For example 2+2 =4 and I expect them to know this but then I ask them if I had 4 pens and took 2 pens away how many pens do I have left? In other words 2 pens plus 2 pens equals what? Now do you understand what I am after? I do the same with my class expectations and put it back on them to realize what I expect. I want them to always be part of the equation
the first day tell what's expected in class and in lab. i will also explain how i grade.
