Classroom Expectations
My first day is full of information on our objectives,who am I and why I think I can teach them something in three weeks. I show them the room and what we will be working with. Show them the lab projects and the grading procedures. They have been in school here awhile so they have questions I can answer right off and make them feel more organized and comfortable in my class. I think this all helps keep them in my class and in school.
I certainly agree that the first day is very important. You are setting the stage for the rest of your time with them. They of course have certain expectations but they also have fears of what is needed from them to succeede. I spend alot of time allowing my students to connect with each other during the first few classes. I will have class activities that will have them work together. I personally feel they need others to connect to. I also feel this is a retention tool.
Larry--
This is awesome. You certainly sound like you give your classes a great deal of thought. Planning is critical as you point out. Keep up the great work!
Susan
The first day is the most important.It is like the first impreession you make when meeting a person for the first time. you must have the classroom ready,(posters, charts, cutawaways and whatever it would take to clarify what you teach). This would immediately attract the attention when students enter the room. Then have a complete syllabus of your class to give a complete overview of what the students will learn. At the same time show your enthusisum about teaching the class. If you are not excited about teaching the class, how can you get the students excited about learning. And above all make sure you know what and how you are going to teach the class.
Sarah--
That is a great point. We can't just tell them once...we need to continue to tell them and then reinforce what we say.
Susan
I have had some challenges with my last group and retention. I think revisiting my expectations daily the first week is going to be important for my next group so they get used to the new environment and keep up with the standards and expectations.
