It is important to create an inviting environment, and let the students feel safe, and welcomed. You don't want to overwhelm the students and want them to have clear objectives so that they understand what is expected.
Its important to set the students up for success by making sure they are aware of what they will be taught and what is expected of them.
Comment on Raul Martinez's post: I agree with your comment about the need to "care" for students. We, as instructors, can demonstrate caring in many ways. Below are some ideas on caring for our students, but they can also be applied to caring for our colleagues, too. It follows:
- Direct personal engagement signals to students that they are valued as individuals rather than just names on a roster.
- Personal Recognition: Learning and correctly pronouncing students' names as early as possible is a foundational signal of respect.
- Consistent Greetings: Greeting students at the door with a smile or a brief "hello" can increase engagement and reduce disruptive behavior.
- Availability: Being approachable both inside and outside the classroom—such as through office hours, prompt email responses (ideally within 24 hours), or brief "casual chats"—demonstrates genuine interest in student success.
Active Listening: Giving students full attention, setting aside technology, and maintaining eye level when speaking one-on-one shows that their perspectives matter.
Mentioned in this module is the importance of the instructor learning the names of students, including the correct pronunciation of their names. On the first day of class after introducing myself to the student cohort, I ask each student while they are seated to tell me of their first name and their favorite color. On occasion, I’ll do it slightly differently by asking students to tell me their favorite ice cream or favorite vacation spot – or a vacation location where they have never been before but would like to visit. Each time, I notice that every student’s face lights up when they discuss their “favorite” whatever after introducing themselves.
Why is this an effective ice breaker on the first day of class? Read on…
- Reduces Anxiety: Because it requires no movement or complex thought, it lowers the social risk for shy students, making them feel safer.
- Facilitates Name Learning: It provides a structured, quiet moment for the instructor to associate faces with names and hear pronunciation.
- Low-Stakes Participation: Asking for a favorite color or ice cream is easy to answer, preventing the "boring" answers that come from forced personal sharing.
- Establishes Routine: It immediately sets a tone of a participatory classroom where everyone's voice matters, fostering a positive atmosphere.
- Builds Peer Connections: Even a small, shared fun fact helps students find common ground with classmates, reducing tension.
Introducing yourself and telling your professional background will help not only establish you as a good leader but also they can trust that what you're teaching is relevant
I have learned that introducing yourself and giving background on your professional experience will help establish you as a leader and example that students can look up to.
Ensuring students gain an understanding of the course and it's purpose, where they will be going and what they will be learning.
In a first class it is important to let the students know a bit about your professional background as well as have them introduce themselves and tell something about themselves as an ice breaker.
Introduction is extremely important for the instructor and students so everyone can start to learn who each other are and what is expected during class. When an instructor is involved with getting to know their students, it makes the students feel valued and wanted.
Bringing a notebook to write down important info is helpful in getting to know the students, making adjustments as necessary to the class, and remembering everything that needs to be done.
Print out the checklist rather than relying on my own person.
I learned that the first day of class is really about setting the tone and building a good learning environment. Things like using the three M’s, doing introductions, and getting students involved early can make a big difference.
I’ll apply this by making my first day more interactive, learning students’ names quickly, and creating a comfortable space where everyone feels included and ready to participate.
Comment on Mario Huderson's post: I agree getting to know your students, shows them that you care about their future. Practice active listening and comment on their responses so they believe that you care.
Day one, taking the time out to getting to know your students is very important, as well as letting the students know a little about myself can really help set the tone in class. Almost making it feel like a family.
Start by setting the tone! Get into your background and expertise! Get to know your students! Learn names and faces! Be filled with energy and excitement!
I've learned that I can motivate the students by giving them a picture of the industry they are studying and how the course material is relevant to helping them be successful in that industry.
I learnt that on day one, it is important to get to know your students and give them an opportunity to get to know you. This will help create a connection with thew students and demonstrate your interest in them as people.
I have always done this from day one with the introductions and putting everyone with anxiety at ease. I also discuss some previous classes concerns on their first day and how well they are doing now, this also relaxes the students. I really enjoy taking the new nursing students and keeping them excited.
On day one sharing your background builds credibility, and showing students you care while learning their names creates a positive environment. Setting clear expectations and being organized ensures a strong start.
I learned that the first day of the course can be a very valuable time for setting expectations, providing motivation, giving students a warm welcome, and providing overall clarity and goals so that students have a clear roadmap for what the rest of the class entails.
