First day of class
On the first day of class as an ice breaker I have each individual explain about why they chose the medical field and what are there short and long term goals? These are great points to aid in painting a future for motivation.
I am fortunate to teach a course that is there final course or very close to it. They are generally very exited about entering the workforce and continuing on with achieving there goals. In the event I have a student who does not feel as if they are exited about the course or completion of there training I try diligintly try to motivate them and ignite the passion that drove them to attend our institute some time ago.
Thank you for this post, Scott.
It is important to try to build rapport with and between students on the first day of class. It is also important to make sure that the first class meeting includes a well-planned lesson that gets students excited about the subject matter of the course.
I think that the first day cf class the students don't always know each other and having them talk about their interests, goals and direction of career helps them settle in.
Thanks, James.
Your assurance can really help. Thanks for doing that for your students.
Another key is that you believe they can be successful. Research shows that if a teacher believes a student can be successful, the teacher will treat that student in such a way that the student begins to internalize that success is within reach.
This Pygmalion effect is very powerful.
Unfortunately, it can also work to a student's disadvantage when a teacher does not feel the student will be successful. That teacher will unintentionally communicate the low expectations to the students, who generally will meet them.
I taught the first course in this school off and on for the three and a half years I have been hear and I have fun doing it. I find that if you tell the student what you expect from them and give them a syllabus so they can follow along they will know what to expect the students seem to like it and it keeps the surprise out of the class. I like the students to tell the class and I what experience they have if any, what are there goals they have at this time.
After all that is done I assure them that I have a goal that I will help them to pass this course so they can continue to make there life better.
Thanks, Tom.
I think starting to build relationships with students early in the term is very important. It is equally important to conduct a dynamic lesson on the course content that day as well. That way you are setting a standard for what you and your students will be doing each class meeting that will help them reach their goals.
First day of class I like to get to know the student a bit. Where have they come from and where do they wnat to go after graduation and beyond.
I guess students can say a lot of noble stuff about medical field unless they are thinking about a career as a plastic surgeon. Frankly, my primary motivation for pursuing a degree in Computer Science was the rewarding career prospect in terms of monetary compensation. Otherwise, I have always wanted follow my forefathers foot steps and be a Park Ranger (Forest Conservation Officer) in the foothills of the Himalayas.
On the first day of class, I ask everybody - what is your motivation? Why are you here? I ask them to write them down and I count to three and everyone screams out their motivations at the same time.
I agree, it is impiortant to make everyone comfortable. I like to give a tour of the classroom a nd lab on the first day. This gets everyone up and engaged right away.
What ever the students field of study may be is not that important. The fact that they have chosen a career path is important though. Having said that, I think what is important is that we recognize that they have a dreem and our job is to help them along the path to sucess. On the first day of class, I ask each student to share a little about themselves. Things like, where are they from, what have they been doing, what do they see themselves doing upon coppletion of the program/degree. It helps them to settle in and feel a little more comfortable with their surroundings. They realize that they are not the only one in the class with little to no knowledge about the material/subject being taught. I teach mostly young males and they seem a little intimidated by thinking that their peers are more knowledgable than they are, but after introduction, that feeling goes away when they realize that they are not alone. I also lay out the course and the expectations I have of them. They know exactly what they will have to learn and understand and how they will be accessed on the material.
Kyle I agree the first day is great to help the students articulate why they have signed up for the course. Icebreakers also allow the Instructor to make an initial assessment of those students who may need more encouragement and academic support
I strongly agree with those comments it help both ways and to that I want to add teachers should have a fine line between them and students. Latif Rahman.
It helps when a student hears why they are there from their own mouth. It brings meaning and realization to the fact that they have started something for a reason, and putting in the time and work needed is to their advantage.
Kyle,
This is a great idea. This helps students set their goals and gives you something to refer to during lectures or activities to engage them even more by using their goals.
The first day of anything should be about getting to know eachother and setting goals for the future as well as loosening up tension toward being somewhere new.
