I have learned that it is extremely important to have your students prepared and ready for what is to come as well as how the course is taught.
Introducing yourself in a professional, yet fun and light way may ease the students' nervousness during the first week of class.
I introduce myself and talk a little about my background in welding and answer any questions that they may have about our trade.
introducing myself and telling the students a little of my history as an electrician, is going to be the greatest ice breaker to make them feel comfortable. also, I love to explain how I am no better than them, and if I can do it, they can too!
The first impression is important, learning students' names and breaking the ice with a "get to know" everyone is something I will implement into my teaching rubric.
Learning names are so important to make a student feel comfortable and that they matter in my class.
I have learned that the first day I'm going to have everyone write their information on a note card and then their names on another note card so that I can get to know them better and remember who they are.
I like the idea of splitting your class up and have them rotate meeting people. This will create more genuine and organic dialog and openness than someone just telling the class about them self.
I believe that the first meeting is extremely important. As discussed it sets the tone for the rest of the class. Meeting the individual students at the door is a new concept for me. I have not personally experienced it in my personal education.
An appreciation for their nervousness and ways to help them feel comfortable.
Thank you for your valuable information
Comment on Rebecca Land's post:
Thank you for your time and consideration.
What have you learned from this module and how do you intend to apply it? Take a few minutes to post your response and learn more from your peers.
I learned as instructors and teacher we/I can never forget that I need to wear and model my 3 Ms; Manager, Model, and Motivator for our students.
From this module, I learned that first impressions are crucial and that setting a professional, organized, and welcoming tone can greatly influence student engagement. I also learned the importance of clearly communicating course expectations, objectives, and policies during the first class. I intend to apply this by preparing an introduction that establishes credibility, outlines the course structure, and creates an open environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating. This approach will help build trust and set the stage for a productive learning experience.
Arrive early, great students at the door.
Make a checklist of things you want to get done.
Give students study guides and suggest taking notes.
Set reasonable expectations and activities that engage students motivates them to learn.
It is important from day one to have clear, outlined expectations for students and communicate them. It is also important to have some sort of activity to help ease students nervousness as well as the teachers.
Students are always nervous on the first day. I introduce myself and share a bit of my background. While going over the syllabus they see what I expect of them and what they can expect from me. Once we've gotten through those things, I do some icebreaking activities where they can get to know and become comfortable with each other.
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.
