Class orientation packets
I have found that the paperwork on the first day of class can be very overwhelming to students considering that they have multiple classes. I like to make two packets to give to my students; One packet is the information that they can keep for themselves to review as needed (includes emergency evacuation maps, syllabus, my contact information) and a packet they must review, sign, and return.
Being organized and thorough helps to alleviate some of those first day anxieties!
Suzarie,
This is the approach I use because of the reasons you cite. We need to establish a comfortable and supportive environment for our students so they can reduce their anxiety and start to focus on what they are going to learn.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with you. On the first day of class I introduce my self and the course to the students. The first day is the ice-breaker day not the day for diving into lecture. This helps the students to ease their tension and relax. The first day is reserved for handing out, discussing, and answering questions on course assignments, syllabuses etc.
Christine,
This is a method I use as well. On the first day I do introductions and an ice breaker. Then we cover the basics and do a case study. This gets them involved and thinking about the course content we are going to cover. The next class meeting we get into the specifics of the syllabus and they review it and sign off as having received it. This spreads out the intensity of details to two class meetings while I get them involved in course content first off.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
