Meeting the class for the first time
It was wise to review what an instructor should do when meeting the class for the first time.
Hi Jeff,
Good point about language pacing. We have to stop and consider our listeners as we speak. We need to use our voices as attention getters as well. Pacing, inflections and volume can all help with keeping student attention.
Gary
This is a great point about getting too comfortable. I always have to watch the speed at which I am speaking -- since I'm so familiar with what I'm going to say, my natural tendency is to go through it quickly. I have to remind myself that no matter how many times I've said something to previous students, this is the first time this class is hearing it.
Hi Kelley,
Great to hear about your excitement for your new classes. Let me know how they work out for you. If you bring excitement and leadership to the classroom you are going to be successful. I wish you the best.
Gary
I agree! As a new instructor last quarter, I went to my first class with some basic ideas of what I wanted to cover and how long it would take. It went super-fast and my students had that glazed-over look within the first half-hour. This made me nervous, and I fumbled through the remainder of class - not a great first impression.
After reviewing this module I have many ideas of what to cover and how to establish myself as the "instructional leader" (I love that phrase) on the very first meeting. Now I'm looking forward to meeting my new classes this quarter!
One of the schools I work for provides a sample checklist to start a class and requires instructors to submit a completed copy.
I found myself getting too comfortable with the first day. I stopped using my list and I find now that every first day of class, my introduction, etc. getting shorter and shorter, and of course forgetting to cover everything. I will use this new list exclusively now. Thanks for the tool!
I thought this was very useful material
I teach 8 phases of a 15 phase cousre I belive, and I address each new group of students in each phase with the same teaching objective as if it were the frist day. I do this because it reinforces what is already expected of them, and shows that nothing has change as far as goals procedures, polices, and their performance.
Hi Al,
This is a great way to ease the transition of students from one class to another. I have found that having the familiar face in front of them really helps the students get settled into their new class even if they have been together for previous classes.
Gary
As my class is one of the final classes within the program for students I always make it a point to introduce the class on the Friday before they get to me. I get permission from the instructor that has the class at the current time & ask for 5 minutes to introduce myself & give some very basics of what is expected of the students on the first day. Then when that first day arrives I have the agenda written on the white board in class & begin the formal intro of myself & the class. It gives the students a face to put with the class prior to arrival & gives them a quick synopsis of what to expect.
Hi Margaret,
What a great story of how you developed your method of planning. The reality of teaching has a way of putting you in a position of putting everything together into a working plan. This way you have shared clear expectations with your students. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I have taught both in the corporate environment and in the college environment for a total of 17 years or so. Having been a professional actress before I became a teacher, I felt confident that I could start a class without a lot of preparation.
Boy was I wrong!
After several failed attempts, I sat down and wrote out a checklist for starting class. I wrote the checklist on the white board and my classes have completely changed. Now I feel confident and smooth at the beginning of class. I also feel the students trust me more. I don't hear them asking, "Are you going to collect the homework?" They know I'm going to, because it is listed on the white board right after Take Attendance.
I will never go back to my old way of doing things again.
