first day of class
intros create a comfort zone and provide an opportunity for the student to not only be part of ....but have 'ownership' in the success of the class
George, My first class will be at the end of this month. I am very excited but also nervous. The students I will be dealing with are those who have huge dysfunctional family problems that will impact their learning environment. I have high expectations for my field and am trying to balance supportive learning with expected behaviors and competence that are needed to succeed. I would be grateful for input on how to be sucessful my first day. Thanks, Jan
Hi Srinivas,
Comfortable with students to means that you are relaxed with them as you handle the introductions and course requirements. This does not mean that you are too easy or will run a poorly organized course. By starting the course on time, having well prepared handouts and being clear about the course requirements you will let the students know you are in charge. The comfortable part can come when the students due an ice breaker and you can laugh along with the students with the results.
Gary
is it ok to be too comfortable with the students on day one, with out a fear of projecting yourself as too liberal?
I like to get the important standard information out on the first day as noted in the module. It gives me as well as the students an opportunity to get to know each other. As well as me an idea of what technique I will need to the class.
Hi George,
Way to go. Talk about timely information. It will be interesting to see how the course progresses from here. Keep me posted about how this works out for you.
Gary
Dr. Meers,
Interestingly, I have just completed the first day of a course 20 minutes ago; where I made sure that everyone left the class with my expectations. I also made sure they understood that the tasks are to be completed on time, properly, and as specified!
