Get to know the students
I like to take a few minutes at the beginning of a class, particularly the first day of a class, and get some personal informtaion out of each student. I'd especially like to know why they are in the class and what the expect to get out of it.
Paul,
Good way to help students get settled into the course and feeling comfortable with other students as well as you the instructor. This creates a foundation for respect and trust which then can be built throughout the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
On the first class meeting, I allocate some time to asking each student what their major is and what their career goals might be for that major. The purpose of this is to foster some friendships within the class by knowing who has common interests. Secondly, since the classes that I teach are in the evening, the opportunities of friendships are limited. My third reason is that I begin to learn the students' names, a social weakness of mine.
Hi Charles,
Your method gives a strong connection between you and their names. This shows them you care about them and their involvement in the course.
Gary
I have a seating chart which I write the names of each student during role call, it is a sure why of learning the name with a face. Once the student gives me vocal feedback about why the course for him or her I easy match face to name. So, so important that a student hear their name in all matters during a class session.
Hi Lucille,
Good use of instructional resources, in this case experienced students. You are right about this approach helping students to get settled into the course and learning about each other a bit more.
Gary
I also like to get some background info on my students on the first day. When you are teaching an Introduction to Baking class, it is great to know if some of the students have experience in the field. More often than not, I allow the students with experience to help me with the less experienced students. We always have good feedback when we do this and it helps the students relax because it is not just me “the teacher” but their peers helping them.
After my introduction, I have the students introduce themselves briefly, telling their, name program, number of quarters in the college. Since I teach writing classes, the first assignment is a personal essay that each student presents the second week. This works well since the students like to share information about themselves and their college objectives.
Phil Lewenstein
what I do is to have the students introduce themselves, tell the other students why did they choose that class and they were doing before they took this class (occupation). Then I will ask the next student about something that the student before him/her to make sure that they're listening.
Hi Gabriel,
You make an excellent point about your reputation.
Your question about what you do about your reputation is a bit of a mix. First, you can cultivate a reputation that reflects how you want to be perceived as a professional. You can be student centered, fair, structured, etc. What ever you want the students seeing you as being when they talk about you in the halls. Also, you have to dismiss some of what they say about you or it will drive you crazy when it gets back to you. If you are perceived as being fair, ethical, organized and caring then the other things said about you can just spin off of you.
You are right there are a number of things that go into your reputation beyond the first impression.
Gary
There's an element of the first-day-of-class discussion missing: the reputation that preceeds you. Whatever first impression you make is tempered within the context of other encounters with you or the buzz about you from other students.
Did you consciously cultivate your reputation or are you oblivious to what students say about you?
Either way, your first impression on students doesn't form in a vacuum.
Hi Lawrence,
Good way to start a new class off. The five years in the future idea is a good one to get them thinking about the value of the course content you are going to be sharing with them in the weeks to come.
Gary
I take the time to call roll and greet the students and ask them where they see themself in 5 years
Hi James,
This is an excellent way to get a class off in the right way. By getting them comfortable and settled in they will be better prepared to listen and comprehend the expectations for the course.
Gary
I always use an ice breaker at the start of a new class, this eases the tension of the new student, gives me an opportunity to learn about my students, and creats a sence of family in the classroom
I believe it is very important to get to know your students on the very first day, why they are in your class is a huge insite on how they will perform.
Ms. Kim
Very good Neil! I concur. It is important also to keep it professional.
