Get Your Students Hired
When starting up the first day of class, I like to make sure we discuss important information like the syllabus, expectations, instructor access.
I also really like to see that students get to share a bit about themselves. We may talk about what their expectations of the class are...what do they think they will learn?
I also will bring in little treats to use as "prizes" for questions I will ask throughout the first night, just to confirm that they are absorbing the material. The "quiz" questions will include things on the syllabus, how to reach me and I may incorporate a few funny items to help make them comfortable. For example, when we introduce ourselves, I may ask them to tell us their name and the program of study and their favorite color. One of my quiz questions may be about the information we learned in our introductions or our conversation through the evening. I want them to feel that it is important to listen to each other and to ensure that they feel that they are active contributors to the class.
I usually teach intermediate classes in our program. While reading through the syllabus I like to pause while discussing the course objectives and show how the topics relate to the field of study - why these objectives and how they are used in the field. I like your quizes and prizes idea - I think that will help the examples stay with the student through the course.
I really like your "quiz" idea! Being the first night, students are nervous, excited, etc., they seem to forget parts of the syllabus. The "quiz" would be a great way to "go over" the syllabus again in a more relaxed and fun way.
This is a comfortable and inviting way to begin class. I like this approach in making students feel welcome; and a fun way to learn about each other.
It depends on the class. For Composition, I had to explain the syllabus and course calendar and the workshop procedures. This took the whole period. For a course like The Novel, I would get the students discussing topics right off the bat. If The Novel was a night class, I wouldn't even introduce the course until after the first hour. Then I would connect the course to the discussion topics I steered them toward.
Hello Ann. I agree,setting the tone of the class and creating a positive experience on day one goes a long way toward determining how the remainder of the term will evolve.
Hi Ann,
What a fun comfortable way to start a class. I am sure your students are excited about the classes to come when they leave that firs night. This is the approach I take with my classes and I know I always feel excited about having introduced students to my world of study.
Gary