SAYING HELLO FOR THE FIRST TIME.
This module will help me stand tall and me a model for my students. made me understand the steps that i will be needed for my first day of class.
Hi Jaffee!Thanks for your comments. I am so glad that ED101 was helpful to you. I have found simply that a positive first impression with students, organization, knowledge about the subject, communication of clear objectives, expectations and outcomes, a few class/lab ground rules, a teaching plan that balances presentaiton with activities to reach the different learning styles, and an environment of support all work together to create an effective and enhanced learning environment for students. Best wishes for every success in your teaching endeavors.
Jay Hollowell
MaxKnowledge
Hi Jaffee,
Thank you for those most kind words about the module content. Having a viable instruction format is a must since the grades that your students receive will be with them for the duration of their careers. The system has to be sound, fair and consistent. Continue to look for ways of making your evaluation strategies meet these criteria and you will do fine.
Gary
I found this module extremely helpful for me. I have been an instructor for over a year now, but I just accepted a full-time position and took over a schedule during the middle of a term. I was assigned courses I have never taught before and also because the previous instructor left sketchy records - if at all - I am also having trouble rectifying my grading system.
Both of these issues made me extremely nervous on my first day; however, I found the information presented in this module helpful, and I am definitely going to use it when the fall term starts in approximately a month.
Hi Alyson,
You can start by introducing yourself and the course to the students. This will establish you as the instructor and the person in charge of their learning experiences.
Since you have names already available to you through the name tags on their jackets. I would have each student introduce him or herself, share their career goals or class goals and some important fact about themselves. Then you could do an "ice breaker" with the class. The ice breaker will help the students get settled into the class and get to know their fellow students better. It will also help you to get to know your students.
After that I would go through the syllabus and make sure to cover the course requirements, expectations and policies. At the end of the class the students will know they know what they must do to be successful in the class and something about each other and you the instructor.
Gary
I have been teaching for nine years and still found this useful!
Anything else you do for your first day? In my case the students have names tags on the jackets..
Yes! I believe one will always have slight nervousness whenvenver one is beginning something one really cares about. No nerves means you are too relxed and that does not bode well for me!
Hi Alyson,
Being nervous before a class is a good thing, I believe for an instructor. I have been teaching for over thirty years and I still get nervous before meeting a new class just for the reason you describe. This makes me work harder to prepare for that all important first class. Keep up the good work and never lose the nerves, they will serve you well as a dedicated educator.
Gary
I totally agree with only one chance to nmake a first impression. I always sleep a little strangely the night before a new term starts. i am always excited about the new beginning tempered with a little nervousness about meeting new group along with their unique dynamic. I always make sure i am completely prepared with all the items loaded on the student portal to give them the best opportunity to review items before they even arrive on campus. I also send them a welcome letter email, offering help before class even starts, trying to break the ice. I also make sure i have any printed materials ready including the roster. I love the ice breaker method described with the index cards - I will be sure to use that in upcoming modules.
Hi Svetlana,
Glad to hear the module contents are of help to you. A positive first impression is critical in setting the stage for the upcoming course phase.
Keep up the good work.
Gary
I found great ideas in this module the most helpful information is about your first impression thanks!
I found this module the most helpful because I am a new instructor and have some great new ideas for the first day gitters...thanks!
I like the idea of name tags on the desks...
Hi William,
You make a good point about being a model, but you clinched with the last part of the sentence, that being throughout the entire course. Often instructors let down and do not carry through the entire course. Good reminder.
Gary
I like to be a good example to my students both by the way I dress and by my actions not just on the first day, but throughout the entire course.
Me too.... Good luck to us! :)
