I think taking some focus to remember student names and have a positive first interaction is the key to creating an environment where students are willing to participate and take interest in what's being instructed.
I found this list particularly helpful:
At the end of their first class meeting students should have:
A sense of where they’re going and how they’ll get there.
A feeling that the other members of the class are not strangers.
An awareness that you care about their learning.
An expectation that the course will be both valuable and enjoyable.
It is important for students to get to know you as an instructor but also their peers.
It is good to introduce yourself to the class. It allows you to get to know your students and set expectations of the students in your course. Building a rapport should start with introduction and it allows students to open up to you and create an environment where students can learn.
e first class sets the entire tone for the entire course. Building rapport, establishing clear expectations, and creating a welcoming environment from day one helps students feel more comfortable and engaged. Taking the time to introduce the course and review the syllabus can encourage participation and build trust.
Being a new instructor, having all the students tell a little about themselves and why they are here is a great way for me to find out who they are and how I can best help them in this class.
The first day of class sets the tone for the year. Students need to know what is expected of them, but they also need to feel welcomed, respected and valued. Building relationships and establishing routines early creates a positive learning environment where students are more willing to participate and take ownership in their learning.
I appreciate the reinforcement that many of the things I do in the first day are relevant and important.
Love the ideas on ice breakers and building good rapport with students
i learned that pre tests are important because it allows you to understand your students and gives you a baseline for the classes to come. you can make adjustments according to their needs.
I have learned that creating a safe and comfortable environment in the very beginning is important.
It's pivotal that you create an environment where they can come to you with questions or concerns. Remembering their names and letting them get to know each other will help them feel comfortable and excited to learn.
Great tips on how to remember their names.
Getting the students comfortable with each other is a lot higher priority than I thought!
I think a pretest is a good idea, but it sounds time consuming.
Students should have these things after every class.
A sense of where they’re going and how they’ll get there.
A feeling that the other members of the class are not strangers.
An awareness that you care about their learning.
An expectation that the course will be both valuable and enjoyable.
I learned some awesome techniques to remembering names. In addition to ideas on activities on getting to know each other on first day.
The first day of class sets the tone and expectations for the rest of the course.
I learned that the first day of class is important for setting expectations and building a positive learning environment.
Getting there early and sharing experience about myself as well as hearing about the students opens up dialogue
Those were very good tips on how to remember student's names. Especially important not only to remember their names but how to pronounce them correctly.