New Instructor
I will be teaching my first college course this quarter. The course that I will be teaching is a course that all new students will be scheduled to take. This course weighs alot on retention. Does anyone have suggestions on how to handle a mini-term course. We will meet four days per week and 2 hours per day. I am concerned about loosing the attention of the students.
Hi Darlene,
You make a strong presence by being, confident, prepared, professional, knowledgeable, and fair. Being new is really irrelevant.
Patricia Scales
I will be co-teaching my first class with a very experienced instructor. The students know I am a new instructor. How do I prevent them from "taking advantage of the newbie?"
Hi Alycia,
You will do great! Confidence is key! Just remember, you know way more than you students in the subject area!
Patricia Scales
Patricia,
I can see how that could easily happen. Thank-you for pointing that out. I will focus on discussing credentials and experience as SME. I am looking forward to getting started!
Hi Alycia,
Do not let them know it is your first class; this gives the students ammunition to scrutinize you very carefully because you are so green. They will hold being the first time against you. It is irrelevant that this is your first round. It is great to share with your students your credentials/experience so that they know they are learning from someone who is knowledgeable/qualified. Icebreakers and introductions are great for rapport building.
Patricia Scales
Hi. I will also be teaching my first class very soon. There are so many factors to consider when considering how to establish the "new" instructor/student relationship. I think the first thing to start with is honesty. I plan to let the class know...this is my first class. I would like to discuss a little about who I am. This is important since they will be learning from me. It is important that the students know the instructor credentials and experiences that led to the teaching position. The students should see the instructor as a SME in the career field they are about to join. I also would like to incorporate an "ice breaker" early on in the introduction phase of the course. It is important for the instructor to get to know the students also, have them tell a little about themselves during the introduction phase. Then after the introductions and ice breaker (once the environment is more relaxed) then discussion can begin on the syllabus.
Hildie,
I always find that when you have a new course and new students the best approach is the honest one. You tell them about your experience, your qualifications to teach the course and class expectations. Once you've established your credibility them you can tell them, "We have an exciting challenge ahead and I look forward to working with each of you to meet that challenge." Get them involved in the lesson planning, have them take control of the course for sections (assign students certain portions of the material to present), get the input and feedback as to their expectations for the class and do a periodic review on student satisfaction of the course. At weeks 3, 6, & 9 I have the students fill out a three question survey; 1)What is the best part of the class so far, 2) What have I liked least in the class so far, & 3) what would I like reviewed. This allows them to give you feedback to incorporate into the remaining weeks of your class. I remember my first term teaching it was exciting and terrifying at the same time. You will be in love the minute you walk into the class. Just remember not to lock your knees or you will pass out! :) Good luck and I hope some of this helped.
Dawne
Hi Kimberlee,
This is a great way to earn continuing education courses, and you really learn things that will help you in the classroom, thus making you a great educator.
Patricia
Thank-you Patricia. Your words of encouragement really gave me a boost. I am trying to navigate through this on-line course as well. This is my first experience with this type of continuing education. I have a feeling it is going to be a great benefit to me and I look forward to utilizing this site and participating in the discussions as often as I can.
Hi Kimberlee,
Your range of grades is very typical. Continue giving teaching your very best. Preparation is key and maintaining control is a must. You are going to develop into a fine instructor because you have the right attitude. You are on the right track.
Patricia
Hi Jennifer,
I too come from a clinical backround and just started teaching my first course about a month ago. The students have been attending the institution before I got there so therefore, they know that I am new. I tried to foster a participatory environment where feedback, whether positive or negative should not be discouraged. For instance, I want the students to tell me that they are not "getting" something so that I may change my delivery method so that they will understand. However, I do not want them to walk all over me so I also need to maintain the understanding of who is in charge. After just grading my first test, the average of the class was a B with the grades ranging from an A - F. I guess I am doing something right, but I too am in the learning process and figure it can only get better with time and experience.
I am teaching my first college course this term. I come from a completely clinical based background. So, teaching is a whole new experience. Any suggestions or pointers to help out a "newbie" instructor.
Hi Linnie,
I concur. I try to get my new instructors to team teach with seasoned instructors before teaching a new course. It really puts them at ease. They can see the guru in action. I require my new students to do all assignments, projects, quizzes, tests, etc. for the course.
Patricia
New instructors, in my opinion, feel more comfortable after observing other seasoned instructors as well as students responces.
Hildie,
I am also a new instructor and very excited to start my new class. I am sure that I will enjoy it....but like you, I am concerned that the students won't be interested. They are also a new group. I hope that I can present the information to them in a fun and effective manner. Thanks Patricia, for the advice!
Alex
This is exactly the type of class I love to teach. Number one - be personable. The students are new and want to feel accepted and appreciated. Always keep in mind that they are very much like you - no better or worse - and they want to feel that they belong. That is a huge boon to keeping retention numbers up. And never NEVER tell them you are lost, fumbling, etc. because you are new. This will only make them feel that you are clueless and/or that they are being led by someone who doesn't know what they are doing. I see new instructors do this all the time ("work with me, I'm new here", "I'm new to the school and never taught this before", etc.) - and the student confidence goes way down. Relax and be yourself. Make sure you are prepped and ready to go and then let the topic flow. The students will appreciate your confidence and your friendliness. You can do this and you can do it well. Good luck!
Hi Naomi,
Very thorough response! I have had some instructors to have the students teach the information in group style. Some students are very creative and do a fantastic job presenting.
Patricia
Hello Patricia and Peter,
After reading Peter's inquiry I feel that he has a very good question that could be answered perhaps a little more fully? Like many others who have chimed in on this thread of the forum, I am also a first time instructor, and will be teaching nursing. I have similar questions myself.
I will always do my best to give the students a clear understanding of why the information they are asked to learn is relevant, but when there is a magnum of information to be mastered I feel that we are going to need some extra spices to keep the flavor of all that info interesting?
I remember my chemistry professors, most left the subject as dry as it can be! Chemistry was interesting to me to begin with, but because it is difficult information to learn it was therefore difficult to maintain my interest. When I had professors who were dull, talked to the board, were not really available at their office hours, I usually did not do as well, or stuggled in the class.
I did have one good instructor who was more engaging than the rest. He created a mantra for the more difficult problems, and had the class repeat it to him when he came across a difficult problem for us. He wrote out the most difficult homework problem on the board very large. Then he asked us, "How do you eat an elephant?" We were to respond with the mantra he gave us, "One bite at a time!" He then he proceeded to have us tell him how to do the problem step by step by calling on one student per step. This kept us involved, showed us that we could do this, and supported us because he taught and gave positive feedback as we did the problem. This is an example of one method he employed to combine teaching, encouragement, and support.
When the material is laborous it is difficult to keep it interesting even if the student is interested and invested. We as instructors have to maintain class energy level and interest through creativity, examples, demonstrations, involvement, and support.
I'd really love to hear some other examples, of instructors suggestions for creating interest in dry scientific and mathematic classes. Peter how did your class go? Did you find some ways to maitain their interest?
Naomi
Hi. This will be my 1st time teaching as well, and I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Thanks everyone for sharing your ideas. I especially like the find a mentor idea, and will continue asking my dept head for lots of advice. -Jeanne
