One of the biggest takeaways I gathered from this topic is how important it is to be intentional in setting the tone from day one. Several classmates highlighted strategies like greeting students at the door (Michael Cano), using name tents (Kimberly Phan), and building a sense of belonging (Laraysha Harmon, Justice Osei-Tutu). These might seem like small gestures, but they play a big role in creating a welcoming and productive classroom environment.
I especially connected with the idea that the first class is more than just an overview—it’s a chance to establish mutual respect, structure, and expectations (Rangitahi Haupapa, Kristin Minnick). As an instructor, I plan to bring a warm but professional presence, share a little about my own path (like John Mediodia suggested), and encourage students to introduce themselves in ways that connect to their goals.
In practice, I’ll apply what I’ve learned by:
Greeting students personally as they arrive
Using name tents or short introductions to help remember names
Walking students through a clear, flexible syllabus
Sharing a bit of my own journey to build rapport
Establishing classroom norms collaboratively
One comment that really stuck with me was from Kaitlin Lory, quoting a teacher who said, “I don’t want to know what you learned the night before—I want to know what came to you during our discussions.” That reminded me that active learning is the goal. I’ll be mindful to create space for in-the-moment insights, not just content delivery.
This discussion has given me both practical tools and a renewed sense of confidence for starting strong.
A good way for teachers and students to learn each other's names is to display name tents on desks. A good alternative to traditional ice breakers is for teachers to introduce the students instead.
I gathered that you want to set the tone and pace of the class quickly. Make sure the class is not nervous about how there new instructor will be set a calm tone that easy to soak up.
Meeting the students day one
-I would meet them at the door, hand shake and warm greetings. I'd like to ask the student to give a little info about themselves and where they see themselves after receiving their license.
-Overview of what is to be learned or understood by the end of the week
-outline the day with chapters or or projects
-Ask if there are any questions before we begin.
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I appreciate the points about remembering names, sometimes has been a weakness of mine with large classes and multiple schools starting at the same time. Also hearing that it is normal to feel a little anxiety before the first class is something i needed to hear, I didn't realize it was shared amongst all of us.
Having a checklist of points to cover is helpful for two reasons: it ensures you cover everything, and if you don't finish, you can easily pick up where you left off in the next class. This flexibility means you won't have to rush through items at the end if an activity takes longer than expected.
The introduction to the class sets the stage for the for what is to come. There is a lot of information that needs to be sent and received at this point and should be well planned out. Being prepared will make this process less stressful, sharing your background and experience in the field lets them know what you have accomplished. Also, explain the road it took to get there, let them know you started exactly where the are now.
Introduce yourself to your students with confidence and professionalism. Welcome the students into your class and provide them with a sense of of belonging, allowing them to get to know each other and you. This can help break down any barriers and help them understand what they will learn and accomplish in your class. Your syllabus will be their guide and they will know what to expect and the timelines they will have to start and complete their work. This will encourage them to become proactive learners and doers. This can help guide them through their education and into their career with self-confidence
Showing an openness to learn about the students will hopefully encourage them to be willing to learn from me!
What I learned is that the most important things to do is building a personal connection fast. Learn names, share backgrounds, encourage student introductions. Then establishing classroom culture. Clarifying expectations early on for participation, assignments, grading, and behaviour. To give an exciting course overview, and set the tone for professionalism and integrity. There was so much that I learned and it gave me a great starting point on how to start my next semester.
I intend to create an environment that the students will have a sense of belonging, a sense of comfort about their ability to succeed in the course. I believe that such support system will help most students to continue progress toward their career goals.
It shows that preparing for the first class not only benefits the instructor but also the students. I makes them more open to the course materials and the path they will be taking with those materials to achieve their goals.
I learnt that the first class really sets the tone for the rest of the semester it's important to start building a sense of community early.
Providing students with a sense of where they're going and how they'll get there is a great outcome for the first class with a new group!
Getting to know your students and allowing them to get to know you, creates a safe and welcoming environment where the students feel comfortable and will allow for more open discussions and learning
Tell the students about yourself to make a good impression.
One of my favorite parts of this was actually the video with the instructor that said something along the lines of, "I don't want to know anything you learned the night before. I want to know what came to you as we discussed this during class." I feel like that is very indicative of effective, engaged learning - being in the moment and responding to what is being discussed at the time.
Getting to know your students, and allowing them to also get to know me as an their instructor creates a learning environment of trust.
Introductions are very important and remembering their names. How to motivate students and describing the expectations of not only students but also of yourself as a teacher.
