meeting a class for the first time
I was really nervous when I started teaching in a different setting where I am now. People got used to the old instructor who left and were constantly comparing me to her. I didn't enforce my expectations early enough and suffered as a result with poor class discipline and only a handful of students actually paying attention and learning. Attendance went down and people were dropping out which reflected negatively on me. Eventually, I was able to adjust my course content to their level and keep them engaged and interested, but it took a while. It's not that I didn't talk about the syllabus, procedures, policies, accessibility, goals, objectives, etc., and it's all about motivating them and sharing stories. I also learned that that setting was not ideal for me, and switched to teach at another school.
Stanley,
Wow, I cannot imagine having the opportunity to work with a group of students for a period of two years. You are right the class does need to function as a learning community. With the size of class and length of training I think the restaurant meeting is a great idea so everyone can relax enjoy a meal and get to know each other in a more social setting. The respect and rapport that is developed during this period of time has to be tremendous and result in life long associations between the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found it helpful over the years to assemble the class together for the first time somewhere other than the classroom. Specifically, our sponsors support our faculty and students to meet at a restaurant for a meal together. This gets us off to a good start and begins developing relationships amongst the students.
We have maximum 8 students per class and we are in one class together 45+ hours per week for 90 weeks over two years. So, it is vital with that schedule to be a team.
Carrette,
Spoken like a master instructor. You have acquired the knowledge and expertise to be able to engage your students right from the beginning of the course. As for the stickers, I have found that adults are just as eager to get them as children. In fact adults are just taller kids. Things like these rewards are fun for the whole class to get involved with.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have always loved teaching adults. I have had a few very difficult ones to deal with; those were the complainers. Looking back, I realized that it might have been as a result of my not outlining thoroughly my expectations nor defining how class time would have been be spent. However, as the years went by, I got better at planning my first day encounter and I leave no stones un-turned. I stated my expectation clearly, but at the same time assuring my students that they will get every opportunity to maximize their potential. I try also to let them realize that they too are responsible for their learning outcome; they have to be active participants in the learning process. I may start out with a 'stimulant' (image of a long winding road with obstacles, a poem or a song) and develop a discussion. Through this approach they are aware what is expected of them. They are made aware too, of how class time will be spent.I also try to learn their names -- that makes them feel special; someone actually took the time to know them by name. They even love stickers that say "GREAT JOB" OR "WAY TO GO." MOTIVATION!
I do believe about first impression. The first meeting is very important. To easy things up, we do play a game as an ice-breaker. I ask the to think about themselves and come up with two truths about themselves and one wish which hasn't happened yet. I always start the game myself. That way we all find out some things about each other, and most importantly, students start knowing their peers.
If you start in the middle of the course, it is way harder, especially if the teacher before you was loved. Nevertheless, I was in the situation before. I told them what expectations I had and stayed consistent. I never had any behavior or attendance problems.
I hope at your new job you knew how to start and feel better.
Helen,
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I know it will be of value to many other instructors. We all need to learn about what will and won't work for us in a teaching setting and how to find a setting that will support our style and needs. Sounds like you have found such and I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
