New class, same students
Our institution is small by design. As the students progress, I see them more often. One student was enrolled in four of my five classes one quarter. Most first days are comfortable.
That stated, I do have a natural excitment each new period. Even for courses I've taught before. This comes through; I can tell when it I've had classes I wasn't as comfortable with.
Great point Jennifer. I share the same as you. It's sometimes hard to adjust or change errors/rules with prior students.
Hi Jean,
Good idea. Mystery does bring out the interest of people. You are doing that with your creation of a "new me". Have fun with it and that way you will be fresh to the students even if you have had them several times before.
Gary
As the sole coding instructor, I am in the same boat of having the same students for several terms. I know their style, they know mine, so it does create a more relaxed atmosphere, yet a feeling of complacency which could lead to burn out. Sometimes I upset the fruit basket and make the comment, "I've turned over a new leaf" since the last time I had you...meet the new me! In my opinion, keeping that element of mystery, helps me to smell the rose for the first time....again.
I have a lot of the same students as well mixed in with new students. It is difficult to fix my errors from the previous quarters b/c the old students are already set in the ways they know from me.
Each session I usually have familiar students in attendance. Whether I'd taught them a prerequisite class, or they're repeating a course or perhaps I'm teaching them an unrelated course this time. Occasionally I'll have the same student in more than one class, perhaps even in the same day … the point is one can't take the first day for granted.
Even though these students have had classes with me and they know "how I roll" I still have to go through with same process every time. Not only for the sake of those students meeting me for the first time but to reinforce the consistency of the procedures.
In an effort to make it less boring for the returning students I'm a bit more relaxed, I may even tell a joke or ask some questions of my own - but a proper introduction and outline is always a must.
Like they say it is natural for instructors to feel a sense of excitement, but for me I feel more anxious about that all-important good first impression. A smile and good preparation go a long way.
