It is really important to be an instructor that a student can look forward to learning off of. Letting them know a little bit about your professional experience is a good insight to the bodies of knowledge you may possess that they can inquire about. Asking them to share some details about themselves also gives good insight to who it is they are trying to become so that you are better able to coach their growth.
I learned that it is okay to tell a little about yourself, meaning the instructor. It gives students a bit of comfort knowing their instructor has experience in what the students will be learning and doing. Also it is important for the students to first interact with each other especially on the first day of class and to also try to learn their names and have them tell a little about themselves, it brings some comfort in doing this. You want students to know they have a set plan of the class when leaving on the first day of class.
I am grateful for the reminder that I can come back and the beginning of the next class to finish up anything I did not have time for on the first day.
Make sure to cover the course requirements and go over the course syllabus.
Ensuring that your students are confident in themselves, confident in the course, and confident in the in the instructor is vital in setting the tone for how your class will develop throughout the course. Proper planning and initial impressions will speak to the students on the capabilities of myself as an educator.
There is no substitute for a first impression! Let them know where we're going, and the adventures ahead. No matter how weird it gets, we're going to succeed together!
Set a good tone, clearly outline your expectations, let yourself be known, and keep it interesting.
The module reinforced the importance of making a positive first impression and establishing a supportive learning environment from the first day of class. I learned that clear communication of course expectations, professionalism, organization, and building rapport with students help set the foundation for student success.
students are nervous and scared on their first day. It's your job as the instructor to not only ease any tension but create a safe, fun, relaxing environment so they ca learn the subject comfortably
Starting a new class can be overwhelming if not stressful for the student. Setting a good first impression helps put them at ease and support a better class experience.
I appreciate the recommendation to take a picture of the class / use headshots of est student to place a name with their face to remember names. It is always difficult for me at first to remember names. I also plan to start using the recommendation of having a “get to know you” segment at the beginning of the first class. Since I am teaching a class in BSN students’ 9th semester, they mostly already know each other. However, using creative games, they may learn more and be able to connect better moving forward - even if they’ve been together in the program for awhile.
In this module I learned the importance of creating a classroom environment that promotes students from day one to be engaged with the class along feel comfortable on how to interact with new content.
starting a new class can lead to anxiety and to reduce this, put your student a ease. Talk to them, ask and receive questions. by giving a brief statement what and will be learn in your course will go a long way.
This module encouraged me to take my time on the first time to set the environment and course expectations. The first day can be cause be filled with nervousness and anxiousness for students.
What have you learned from this module and how do you intend to apply it?
The first day of class can feel overwhelming because you must review and discuss all the materials with students. However, the training discussed a saying that made a particularly strong point: "Purposeful prior planning prevents poor performance." The time and effort you put into preparing for classes will affect how they go. If you prepare properly, you can make classes informative and enjoyable. As for the material that needs to be discussed on the first day, it's really the things any student would want to know when starting a new class. This includes information about the professor, the importance of the class, what students will be doing in the class, and, probably most importantly, how they will be graded. Activities that help create a comfortable environment, where students get to know you and each other, make a good icebreaker.
First impressions matter including appearance and positivity.
This course taught that making introductions by instructors and students is a way to include everyone and start to break the ice. There's opportunities for going over expectations and requirements on the first day.
I currently use Kahoots to help test knowledge in a fun way and will work on other activities to use.
I've learned that the first meeting is key to setting expectations and building a positive learning environment. I plan to be prepared, welcoming, and clear about class requirements so students feel comfortable and ready to learn.
From this module, I learned that the first class meeting sets the tone for the entire course. Establishing a welcoming and positive learning environment, clearly communicating expectations, and building rapport with students are important for student engagement and success. The first day is also an opportunity to encourage participation and help students feel comfortable in the classroom.
I intend to apply these concepts by introducing myself professionally, clearly outlining course expectations and resources, learning about my students' goals and backgrounds, and creating an inclusive environment where students feel respected and supported. By building strong connections from the beginning, I can help foster student confidence, motivation, and success throughout the course.
