New Teacher, Old Class
I am starting to teach a class that has been together for over a year. They all know each other already.
I intoduced myself on the first day, and then asked them if they had any questions about me. They did, and we spoke to long about me and my life.
Was it a mistake to ask them if they had any questions about me? Should I just have introduced myself, and moved on?
I don't think you should have skipped this formative step. The students are afraid of change, especially if they liked their former instructor. You will have ample time to go over assignments and course expectations later.
M A,
It is such a great opportunities to establish even more rapport with students when you get to work with them in another course. You get to know them better and they get to see you as their learning leader. Great learning opportunity for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I personally enjoy teaching a class that already has that sense of community built in. I teach 2 different Math classes, a foundations class then a 101 class. Sometimes the students who have me in the 101 class have already been together for the foundations class..they know one anthers learning styles and preferences. I feel like this helps me as an instructor.
M. A. Davis
Daniel,
You have given good advice to this instructor. It is good when experienced instructors can and will share their expertise with those just entering our profession. Thank you for giving this help.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Interesting...
It sounds like you ran into a "cohort group" like I just read about in the course material.
Personally, as long as you were able to cover everything you needed to, then I think you are just fine. (Don't "friend" anyone on Facebook :) )
Breaking the ice and making the class interesting right up front on the first day seems to be a key ingredient for success.
I'm nervous about this situation too. Hopefully I am able to instate myself as an authority figure but also one who respects the friendships and relationships they already have. I hope to be able to guide them to success by sharing my experience in the field of their study, giving some new insight to a well-visited topic.
Jeremy,
If the students seemed to value the information they go from you about your life experiences then it was a good thing. If they seemed to be bored with the information they got then I wouldn't do this again when you start the next course. It is one of those things that you just experiment with and then decide how you are going to handle it. Since they are a cohort group I think this was a good way to start the class since you were really the only one new to the group.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
