First Class
Showing expectations and goals are critical for demonstrating to students what their expectations are for the course. I've always felt it was important to show a bit about myself to help create a more comfortable learning atmosphere. I also look to have students interact with each other on the first night of class. It helps to build familiarity and teamwork for future projects in class.
Sharon,
A part of the learning process is the exchange of ideas and interaction with other students helps that to occur. The more we can help our students to learn how to work with others the better prepared they are going to be in the work place.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When students interact it helps them realize that they are not alone and that they have valid ideas. They can feel free to express ideas in a small group that they may never be able to express to and entire class. It also gives the instructor a chance to see how the students work and communicate with each other.
The one activity I felt would be most effective for my first class would be to group in 3-5 students and have them get to know each other. Does anyone know of other effective methods of first class activities?
This is very true. Lots of people work better with eachother if they know at least one other thing about their fellow classmates. Sometimes I play a game to get them to interact with eachother. It seems to work well so far.
It is important to make students feel as comfortable as possible the first class. this will set the tone for the remainder of the time that they are in the class.
