Setting the tone in the first week of class
My dad would always talk about the importance of setting the tone or setting the pace. Whether he was talking about life or running, he always said it was important to set a strong pace from the beginning. I think with teaching it is very much the same. The first days of class it is so important to let the class know the tone and pace of the class. This way they know what they will need to do to keep up and what it will take to have success in the class.
Hi John,
It is so motivating as an instructor when you receive such prompt response as you have. Just think, you made an impression the very first day that was positive in nature. Way to go!
Patricia
I believe the tone and expectations need to be established in the first class. However, the instructor must also establish a rapport with the class and keep their interest.
I received an email from one of my students after our first class. She stated "I was so nervous about taking my very first computer class. You made it fun. I found it very interesting the way that you explained things".
Too much pressure in the early stages of the class can be negative for some students.
I believe that setting the tone in the first week of class is crucial. History has shown that if the expectaions are extremely high in the begining,the student strives to meet those expectaions and everyone is happier. Classes that start off with low expectations, students seem to get bored with and the issues seem to come hard and heavy. I believe setting the expectaions and the tone early, is crucial to the students sucess, and a good way for an instructor to have the expectations met.
I agree. My graduate professor always told me that is easier to loosen up than tighten up!
The first week of class is so important and one that would set the tone for the rest of the periods to follow. In my first week, I introduce the pace of which the student is going to have to keep to be successful in my class. I remind them that if they miss certain information they can see my after class or email me as needed, and I would be glad to help them.
