Ensuring students gain an understanding of the course and it's purpose, where they will be going and what they will be learning.
In a first class it is important to let the students know a bit about your professional background as well as have them introduce themselves and tell something about themselves as an ice breaker.
Introduction is extremely important for the instructor and students so everyone can start to learn who each other are and what is expected during class. When an instructor is involved with getting to know their students, it makes the students feel valued and wanted.
Bringing a notebook to write down important info is helpful in getting to know the students, making adjustments as necessary to the class, and remembering everything that needs to be done.
Print out the checklist rather than relying on my own person.
I learned that the first day of class is really about setting the tone and building a good learning environment. Things like using the three M’s, doing introductions, and getting students involved early can make a big difference.
I’ll apply this by making my first day more interactive, learning students’ names quickly, and creating a comfortable space where everyone feels included and ready to participate.
Comment on Mario Huderson's post: I agree getting to know your students, shows them that you care about their future. Practice active listening and comment on their responses so they believe that you care.
Day one, taking the time out to getting to know your students is very important, as well as letting the students know a little about myself can really help set the tone in class. Almost making it feel like a family.
Start by setting the tone! Get into your background and expertise! Get to know your students! Learn names and faces! Be filled with energy and excitement!
I've learned that I can motivate the students by giving them a picture of the industry they are studying and how the course material is relevant to helping them be successful in that industry.
I learnt that on day one, it is important to get to know your students and give them an opportunity to get to know you. This will help create a connection with thew students and demonstrate your interest in them as people.
I have always done this from day one with the introductions and putting everyone with anxiety at ease. I also discuss some previous classes concerns on their first day and how well they are doing now, this also relaxes the students. I really enjoy taking the new nursing students and keeping them excited.
On day one sharing your background builds credibility, and showing students you care while learning their names creates a positive environment. Setting clear expectations and being organized ensures a strong start.
I learned that the first day of the course can be a very valuable time for setting expectations, providing motivation, giving students a warm welcome, and providing overall clarity and goals so that students have a clear roadmap for what the rest of the class entails.
After I share a little about myself, I enjoy going around the room and inviting students to introduce themselves and share whatever they feel comfortable sharing. I especially enjoy hearing how students decided to pursue radiologic technology and what their goals are after graduation. Some may want to specialize in areas like CT or MRI, while others plan to work as radiologic technologists. I also like to learn about their “why”—what motivated them to choose this career path. Understanding their goals and motivations helps me connect with them and better support them throughout the program.
It is important to create a sense of one - on - one connection with each student and empower them to feel like successfully completing the course is within their reach.
Students need to feel that your teaching is valuable and that they will gain something by paying attention in class. You acheive that by caring and coming to class prepared.
Showing how you came into teaching and the living you have made from their same career path gives students that motivation to understand the content being taught in a course.
As a student it was important for me to feel comfortable with my classmates and instructor. I recalled that some instructors were kind while others ate their young. I vowed to never be that instructor and to always be kind to my students.
After I share a few things about myself, I really like going around the room and having students share their name, and whatever they want to share. This give students the opt out ~ some just aren't in the mood ~ and some will share quite a bit. It's unfortunate if there is no time to do something like this.
