new class
i like to ask what the students do for work , when they get to my class.
Hi Kamen,
Great! It is important to learn students names. Students feel a sense of importance whenever the instructor knows who they are. You especially make an impression on your students because you make it a point to memorize their names on the very first day. Outstanding!
Patricia
I like your approaches and the ideas sound very reasonable. My own approach during the first day of school is to try to break the ice and nothing further. Introduction, goals, expectations, jokes, discussing the syllabus and the addendum, and of course, trying to remember the names and faces of all the students at once by calling them many times. So far I have not had classes bigger than 15 people and I have been very successful, and they are really impressed when the next meeting I know them by name.
Hi Mary,
Great activities. I use an assignment on the first day that requires students to write a letter to themselves expressing their goals as it pertains to school. Every student mentions why they re-entered education and tell about their family. I too can measure their writing skills from this excercise. I also use it as a retention tool whenver students decide to give up on their goals. I have them read the letter they wrote. It is very effective; I've saved many students by doing this.
Patricia
A fellow instructor told me about this technique; she uses it to reinforce students when they are challenged and/or overwhelmed as a reminder of their personal goals. I too used it on my 1st day with great results.
First I introduce myself and share my own lifes experiences that may be similiar to their own. Then I ask the students why they returned to school, what their hopes are, as well as sharing about their family.
Day 1 assignment is to write why they re-entered education with us, and share their family. This helps me to remember keys points about each student as well as an assesment of their writing, grammar status.
