meeting your students
It's normal to feel nervous on the first day of a new class - the best way to combat it is to prepare, prepare, prepare!
1. Visit your classroom ahead of time - Is it big enough; does it have the technology you need; how can you arrange the seating; can everyone see the board?
2. Check on textbooks and resources: make sure books have arrived in the bookstore; double check library reserves and know the process for students to access them.
3. Find out how to use the technology you'll need: course management systems and classroom equipment.
4. Talk with faculty who have taught the course before. Find out what worked and also potential pitfalls. What can you expect your students to know already about the subject? What's a reasonable work load?
5. Have a detailed plan for the first session. The first meeting sets the tone for the rest of your class. Plan accordingly:
* Arrive early and greet your students
* Introduce yourself and give your background. Tell why you are interested in your subject matter
* Write your name, the course name and number on the board so students know immediately if they are in the wrong place
* Get to know your students and let them get to know each other. Use icebreakers. Establishing a friendly rapport with students helps set the stage to encourage active participation throughout the semester
*Take time to go over the syllabus, introduce the course, and establish common goals and expectations. Let them know the kinds of work they'll be doing - provide examples and demonstrations of the output you expect from them. Spend time in the first session to explain fully how the course will run. Make sure you allow time for questions and to clarify expectations.
* Make sure you give information to and get information from students. Why are they taking the course; what do they hope to get out of it; what are their expectations for the course; what is their current background knowledge of the course material; what are some personal interests/hobbies.
* Let students know how they can contact you and when you are available.
* Explain why and how the course is relevant to their lives. Make connections to real-life examples and students' experiences.
* Remember that students are nervous on the first day, too - spend the first day focusing on them: what they want and need to know, answering questions about assignments and expectations, explaining ways to be successful in your course, and setting a friendly tone in the class.
Thank you for this list. I have three years experience yet always feel a little nervous with each new class.
Hi Elizabeth,
Good approach in going to the setting and doing a walk through. It helps you get a feel for the climate and dynamics of the work place. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Thank you for such a helpful list. I especially make a point of visiting the location. It takes one unknown factor out of the equation.
Because I am a clinical instructor in a health care setting, it helps to walk the unit, see how the staff works, set up an initial relationship, find out how students have worked with the staff in the past. Sharing this information with the students on their first day is extremely helpful.
Hi Melissa,
Good to hear about your nerves. It always amazes me how quickly everyone, teacher and students settle into a pattern of comfort so everyone is ready to move on with their learning.
Gary
this list was very helpful. I tend to get nervous as well, but after chatting with students and getting to know a bit of their background, the nervousness wears down.
Hi Philip,
Great list. Thanks for sharing it. I know it will be of benefit to other participants. You make a very good point about the fact that both you and the students are nervous the first day. So instructors need to get settled, take deep breath and go after it. As you know everything will work out well if you do a good job of planning.
Gary
