Meeting the Class for the First Time | Origin: ED101
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Effective Teaching Strategies --> Meeting the Class for the First Time
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Meeting a class for the first time can be a bit unnerving. I learned that taking time for introductions, particularly pairing faces with names, does a lot to ease tensions and foster open and welcoming communication
I would say I learned how to make it a warm introduction and give everyone time to meet and greet and connect with each other.
I was hired as an instructor to teach a course halfway through the programs sequence. The cohort had been established about a year and as mentioned in the module, it was challenging in the beginning to gain the respect of the students. Especially, since they were very fond of the previous instructor. I stayed the course though, setting expectations with follow through and coming to class well prepared with plenty of engaging activities. I was eventually successful in gaining their trust and respect as an instructor.
This is just a reminder of being personable with your students so that it will a comfortable learning environment that they can strive in.
Comment on Harold Hegge's post: yes, I like the idea of using the cards for students to write a little something about themselves too!
I've used different introductory methods in the past and don't really have a favorite. But the idea of having the student put their information and hobbies on one side of an index card and their 'name tent' on the other is a great idea. It also gives me a chance to review the cards after class since taking notes during the introduction is difficult.
Try to make the first impression a best foot forward to get the students to feel comfortable but also feel that this class is important for their future endeavors as they are building the foundation for their future.
On day one, foster a learning by modeling leadership, managing class dynamics, and motivating through an ungraded baseline pretest. Sharing field experience, enthusiasm for respect, and personal interests for approachability.
This module reinforced my first day objectives. For example:
- identifying student by name
- finding out why they choose this career path
- what they hope to learn
Clearly explaining expectations, introducing the course structure, and encouraging open communication set a positive tone. A strong first impression helps build trust and sets the foundation for a successful learning experience.
Having an open conversation with students on the first day allows them to feel safe, accepted and relaxed.
First day meeting is very important indeed cause of many reasons such as knowing each others name, goals, objectives to Register the specific class, prior knowledge to this course consisting with bloom Taxonomy, level of the students thus deliver notes according to that etc.
I really don
t have a response because I do all of these things the first day
Setting the tone for the class starts on the first day. By getting to know your students names and something about them, you are making a deposit in their emotional bank account. Having a fun icebreaker lightens things up a bit and can relieve some of the stress of a new environment.
I learned a lot about how to conduct the first day of class. I also learn ways how to learn the students names.
On the first day of class, arrive early to great students as they enter the classroom. This helps to get to know the students and their habits. Introduce yourself by saying a little bit about yourself and your experience. By the end of the class, the students should have a good sense of the class and their ability to succeed.
Introductions, for both instructor and students, help to ease nervousness and set expectations of how the class will progress throughout the semester.
During my first meeting with the class, the students appeared unorganized and some challenged my knowledge. Instead of reacting, I remained professional and focused on teaching. This experience reminded me not to judge too quickly, as consistency and preparation ultimately changed the classroom dynamic. Once grades were released, expectations became clearer, reinforcing the value of patience and confidence.
OK, so I haven't been too far in my initial meet and greets with my students. I definitely need to be more organized with my thoughts though. I'm going to try the outline and to do list for myself. Maybe that'll help with my scatter brain during class.
