meeting the class for the first time.
I first wrote my name on the board and what I perfered to be called. I wrote the course name. I shoke each one of their hands,and introduced myself, and asked their named. I then asked each one about their goals and what they hoped to achieve with this course.
One strategy I apply during the first class is including a question/answer time after reviewing each page/section of the course syllabus. I also ask for questions just before I dismiss the class. I believe this sets the tone of the course abd helps students realize that the instructor is open and accessible to inquiry.
I always try to ask. My classes tend to be made up of nontraditional students, we have no dorms, so I try to understand as much as I can about my students to perhaps better stimulate their learning. If they are there as part of their mandatory classes, I think so what, they will take something away from the class to help them in later life. Plus there is some bonding between students, which hopefully who then become part of their network after schooling.
Good luck and have fun!!!
rick
I will begin teaching my first class in just a few days and have yet to meet my class. I like the suggestions that were posted but was wondering if it is wise to ask students why they are there. Trying to understand whether a student is there because they have to be - or because they want to be seem beneficial in at least it my help gauge the challenge you are about to face. I had a prof in college who did this as a discussion paper. There were several people who said they were there because they had to take the class as part of their major. I took it that they had no desire to really want to be there.
This was a most useful section. it is important to help the students 'settle in' get to know the instructor, fellow students, and course expectations.
Writing an instructors name on the board is a good idea. Including the course objectives is a geat idea because the students will know what to expect from the very beginning. Another helpful idea to break the ice is to do a class introduction on the first day so all students feel confortable around each other.
Hi David,
Good way to start the course off on the right foot. You gave them the vital information about the course as well as made them comfortable in the learning environment. The made them course ready.
Gary
