first class
does discussing your expectations on the first day really help?
Discussing your expectations on the first day helps to create a good environment and understaning and the students will adjust mentally to the upcoming lecture.
Yes, it is my experience that the first class affords an opportunity to set the tone and feed the expectations not only of the students but my own as well, so that we may grow at the same time and the end of the semester finds us all with a feeling of fullfillment and success.
Exactly! That way everything is clear from the first day.
Gabriel,
Good point. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Karleen,
Good point about the need for repetition. Students do need reminders throughout the course on due dates, assignments and projects no matter how clear they are put forth in the syllabus.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Yes it gives the student a better understand of the instructor expectation and allows you to establish yourself as an instructor.
Mark,
It really does. It sets the tone for the rest of the class as to what it is that you expect out of each and every single one of them. It also helps eliminate any questions about "Where we suppose to do that?" In my experience, it really helps the students have a better idea of where they are suppose to be as the class progresses.
-Gabriel
It does help. But the information does need to be repeated. On the first day it is hard for students to retain all the information. Most of them are nervous and getting comfortable with their new environment.
Mark,
I learned "the hard way" that discussing expectations on the first day will make the whole classroom experience more positive. Try it!
I think that not only does it help set the tone for the class but should be a requirement for all instructors (part of orientation).
Mark,
Yes if you can give them specific examples of these expectations and how the course content will apply to their lives. This is when they start to get interested in what is being taught.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
