This was helpful for me to remember to put myself in the students' shoes and think about exactly what I would want to walk away with on day 1 of class. I will be making sure I hit all of those things day 1 (They know where we're going & how we'll get there, they know their peers, they know I care about their learning, and they think the course will be valuable and enjoyable).
Get the students to know about you and know that you are capable in teaching the material and class. And then having the other students get to know each other.
No matter how you feel it went, it probably went better than you think, and with this hope you are now ready to prepare for the next class.
The first class period is an important time to build community and confidence.
Great ideas for the first day meeting. Start with a meet and greet, Then, instructor introduction. I like to show a PPT of my animals, family, and some of my vacations sites. I love playing a getting to know you game with the students.
I liked the ideas for ice-breaking activities. Having students put their names on a index car along with personal information and then having a little group discussion about it.
Be cheerful and not so intimidating
I need to know, how to start, and how to finish first class, (as it is a First time for me). Get ready for an additional tasks, like, creation a flash cards for students to introduce themselves. Be ready to give students a picture on how they will see themselves in the working environment, the knowledge, expertise, ....so, it is their future, that will motivate them..
I don't feel like building a rapport with our students is that difficult. They really just need to know that you are there because you love what you are doing and that they are truly the central focus of why you are an instructor. We will all have our faults but as long as you can check most of the boxes that were discussed, the students will trust you and this will elevate their ability to learn in your classroom.
Beginning day of a class I usually have quite a "to do" list. I appreciated the advice to not rush at the end to finish the list, but to carry on with the list the next time class meets.
I appreciate the emphasis on how the getting to know each other will enhance the class.
I learned some great techniques to get to know your students at the beginning of the course.
Get to know your students, and make them feel welcomed and understood. They need to be able to trust their future with me.
The first class should be structured as a "ice breaker" and information session to set the tone, pace and structure of the course as well as absolute defining of expectations.
Open up with an introductory of yourself and then meet each student. Explain class expectations, go over content and grading criteria and allow students to express their thoughts.
It is important to learn names and pronunciation in order to set a good class tone.
Introducing yourself and your expectations of the class and how things will operate allows your students to get a feel for who you are. It is also important to have your students introduce themselves as well so you can learn their names, pronunciations as well as any nick names they may want to use.
I love the idea of the name tents and student information card. This is a great way to learn the students names and background.
I really like the idea of taking group pictures of students to help remember names.
Introductions can help relax both the teacher and the students. It is important to greet students and learn their names as quickly as reasonable to show respect and to be personable.
