First Day of Class
This is why we need to be prepared for our class before the first time we see them. If possible go over your roll sheet and check up to see how diversfified your class is going to be. Most of this information is available if you know where to look and spend the time to look for it. You can also take notes during the early part of the class to help you plan future classes. You must be ready to make minor changes in your lesson plan if necessary to see that it fits the class. Remember they are there to learn so be ready to make adjustments if necessary. Having been a professional soccer coach, I know I couldn't do a shooting drill if my goalkeepers were out injured.
I feel each class day is important, but the first day is critical because you want to create some initial buzz or energy to keep them on track and wanting to attend class on a daily basis. I try to achieve this by illustrating what they have learned in a previous class and what they will learn in my class relate and build from the previous gained knowledge.
Hi Heinz,
You make a very good point that students seem to miss and that is they earn the grades, instructors don't give them. All of us instructors need to reinforce this concept since in our culture many students seek to blame others for their failures so we instructors become the focal point of their blame.
Gary
This routine has prooven to be very important and successful.
On day 1 I spend about 1 to 1 1/2 hours in class talking about what students can expect from the school, what they can expect from the industry and also what we expect from the students. In order to be successful in class, students need to be "active learners". I also explain in detail the fact that students make their own grades and we (instructors) only write them down.
Heinz
Hi Kurt,
This is a great idea. I wish I had such an opportunity because I then would have a very good idea of the variety of students that would be coming into my classes. This also helps to create a connection for you and the incoming students. I am sure they are much more comfortable at the beginning of the class having already met you and talked about the upcoming class.
Gary
I receive my class roster about 1 week ahead of time. I make it a point to visit each student before they enter class. that way I have an idea of how the class will function for the next three weeks.
kurt saverien
The first day of class will set the comfort zone for the rest of the course. I like to give students a short back ground of myself and then go around the room and let them introduce themselves and where they are from. It breaks the ice and makes the students more comfortable on the first day.
Getting to know the students on the first day of class creates a "feeling of belongingness" that springs positive results. My experience includes addressing them with their names. Name tags or a sitting plan may be used. The Instructor must prepare an excellent presentation about the class--the use of different media help in getting the lesson across.
A Q & A portion could clarify certain issues, policies, or procedures. As discussed in the lesson in ED 102, adults will adhere to these policies and procedures if they understand why they are enforced.
Class dynamics will assist students understand what they would expect each day. In my years of experience, I have always used one important ingredient, that is, "to start on time, quit on time, and not waste their time." I emphasize this principle on Day One.
However, one of the most challenging aspects of teaching in career schools is the "open-entry, open-exit" enrollment. Students are grouped in "modules". I have always set aside the front seats for the new students so that I can provide immediate assistance if needed. The "buddy system" also works; i.e., pairing a new student with a more senior one.
Admission Reps or any school administrators must be part of the process during the critical first day or first week. They must provide these "new" students with an appointment card at the end of the day or the week to assess their experience at the school or in class. This feedback helps in student retention.
Hi Pamela,
You make a number of very good points about how to make yourself as an educator a positive influence in the lives of your students. You last point about giving them a vision for the future is powerful. If you can help the catch fire about the opportunities they will have when they complete their training they will stick with you through the entire training program. Placing them in the picture so they can see themselves reflected back as successful contributing professionals is a gift to them that every educator strives for.
Gary
These are all excellent and helpful points. Thank you. Getting to know your class and allowing them to get to know you on an academic level is immensely vaulable. But also letting them know you are also a fellow human who has walked the walk and come out on the other side better for the journey itself. Diversity, student needs and student goals being well understood will lead to a well rounded experience for all. I appreciate the flexibility concept and the notion to make adjustments as necessary a very smart course of action. I would like to add introducing a positive level of expectation of the student's success and a generalized map of how this success can improve the quality of their lives in their futures ie: higher learning leads to more confidence, potentially higher salaries, more opportunities and gaining status in a group, more appreciation from others, greater sense of overall contribution to a cause, increased sense of creativity and achievement etc ... all, of course, from Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
I agree, that first day is very important and will set the tone for the entire class. Brief student introductions are important "ice breakers" and tend to make the students aware that everyone is in the same unfamiliar, possibly uncomfortable situation.I also believe the student has a right to know a little about the instructor as it pertains to his/her qualifications. Students tend to feel reassured when they realize that the instructor was once a student themselves and went on to succeed in their chosen field. Goals should also be discussed on this first day to set the students in a positive direction.
The first day is so critical in many ways. A good introduction between the instructor and the students as it pertains to the course and the students goals can establish a great motivation base for the semester. Specially in career related courses.
Thanks for the great tip. Taking notes in the class and being able to change is like Plan B. Always looking for new ideas.
