First Day Intro...
The first day of class is always stressful for students. There learning something new and they want to see what type of teacher they will have.
The teaching style that you have and your experience that you bring.
I agree and probably the most important is to establish the value of the class for their success and opportunities that may come their way.
Scot,
I love this idea. I think it would be very interesting to see what they would come up with--and perhaps how it changes by the end of class?
Susan Backofen
Last night I had to go do something and meet with a new group (not work related) and I found myself feeling a little nerves, and it reminded me about how my students must feel. Getting over the first week giters can be difficult for some of my students. In addition to trying to clearly lay out my expectations and mapping out how to be successful in my class I try to build in some fun activates to help melt some of the butterflies students have about a new class. I give my students a simple get to you assignment and do it for them as a demonstration. I have them come up with a drawing for image that represents them and then share with the group why it represents them. I do it and then give them a few days to think it over and then we spend time in class hearing form all of the students. It always makes a difference in the way classes interact with each other and I really notice when I don’t do it with a class.
The very first day of class should be informed by students the rules and regulations and expectations that will be set in the classroom. This way there will be no misleading instructions. As an instructor i have to set my expectations in the classroom in the beginning so that students will get an understanding of them. Letting your students know about you as an individuial and how u want them to succeed in what they do.
Setting the tone, both academically and socially, in the classroom is vital during the first class meeting or two...students will then have a good idea of what to expect during ensuing classes with respect to course obligations and behavioral/social interaction level and type.
I find that our students are very excited and nervous. Sharing my story as a grad seems to help, get students more comfortable. Also getting them up and out of their chairs to talk and meet each other.
John,
I agree with you on this because I have found that my students suffer from anxiety on the first day of class until I tell them exactly what my expectations are from them. I enjoy the first day of class because it is my opportunity to modify my teaching style according to the students in the class. The maturity level of my students influences how strict I am in each class. Generally, I prefer not to be a strict professor, but in some classes this is unavoidable. Often, I find myself having to be more "heavy handed" on the first day when I have "jokers" in the class. However, currently I have a very serious class that I am not required to be as strict and I can focus on the pleasure of teaching.
That first day can make or break the students' experiences. Providing a positive, realistic environment for learning is vital. Discussing expectations of the students and also letting them voice what they expect from the teacher is very helpful. Reemphasizing rules and expected behaviors for the students is something that I try to do at the beggining of each quarter. Making the students aware of my availability to them when they have concerns or questions also seems to add a positive twist to the classroomexperience.
On the first day intro I feels it's important to give your class expectations, rules and regulations up front. Answer any questions they may have, and once that is all out of the way break the ice with a game. That why they can see that you are also approachable and not overly strict or stuffy.
It's important to allow some time to destress that first day. Allowing some social time relax and get to know one another goes a long way.
