First Class Meeting
The first class meeting sets the tone of the entire course. Students have to get to know you as you set course expectations. After a brief introduction have an ice breaker to put everyone at ease. The ice breaker can set the tone for the personal introductions and a method to get to know your students. If you can make an association to remember the student's name, it help if you have a hard time with names.
In your first meeting discuss all aspects of the learning process and potential ways to help the student learn the subject matter. Helpful hints in the first session let the students know you are there to assist in their learning process. Be positive as you start the new class and let the students know you are there to be the team coach working toward every completing the course satisfactory. The good provides a winning environment from the frist day of practice. Your first class is the first day of practice with each class another practice and each test a game which you want your students (team members) prepared to past.
Hi Francine,
I'm the same way when I start a new class. I think some butterflies in the stomach are a good thing because it means we are excited and committed to our students so we get a bit anxious each time we start a new group.
Gary
I am both excited and anxious about the first day of class. I usually know a few people from other classes I have taught. My classes are hands on projects mostly so I like to have examples of what they will be doing during the course. They really like having visuals.
Hi Michael,
Great way of describing how a course should be started off and what the impact of a positive start can be. As you know a good start saves much time and student frustration. It gets everyone settled in and comfortable with what is going to happen over the course phase.
Gary
