This school year has been exciting! Since we've moved into a new space, it also symbolizes the notion of a fresh start. As every school year marks a new beginning, this activity brings a new dimension to having class for the first time. Most of our students already know each other, since we are a relatively smaller school in student population. But this has made the first day of class more intimate, as my co-teacher and I may not have known the students last year that we have now, we quickly built a connection with them. Reading the material in this module, I have become confident that we are headed in the right direction, as we were able to accomplish the goals provided that were suggested in this module
I learned different strategies for building student moral and keeping them engaged in the course
Be prepared before starting your new class. Introductions are important to show students you care about them and they'll more likely want to be a part of what you are instructing
I like the idea of everyone introducing themselves as this serves as an ice breaker for both the students and the instructor.
Using an ice breaker eases the tension and opens up the conversation
Assigned seating may be best. An icebreaker for the first time would be nice to get rid of the awkwardness and maybe to learn something about the students. Finding something to connect with the students will help them feel comfortable and also introducing yourself and your experience while not bragging or gloating will be good for them to trust in your knowledge.
My first instinct was to allow students to sit where they please. However, after completing this module, I understand how assigned seats could help me to learn names, which can show the students that I care about them.
The students need to have a sense of comfort about their ability to succeed in the course and about continued progress toward their career goals.
I learned that the first class meeting is important for setting the tone for the entire course. It is a good opportunity to introduce myself, explain the course expectations clearly, and begin building a comfortable and respectful relationship with students.
I learned of the importance of setting expectations for the course as well as getting to know about the students to ease tensions of the first day.
Introducing oneself matters because others can learn more about you and connect in one way or another. This connection can create a cohesive group.
Getting to know your students and having your students getting to know a little bit about you helps grow a more personal connection with them and helps ease nerves.
I thought the video on having the students discuss what they learned in class that day based on their preparation the night before was very helpful.
I learned that it is important to establish expectations on the first day of class so students are aware of them are able to follow them, but I also learned it is important to establish a very calm and inviting environment so students are more comfortable which will in turn help engagement in class that will help with learning.
I have learned the following;
Present the course objectives, syllabus, learn about the students, and introduce your style. Demonstrate you care about their success, and offer your support
This module reinforced the importance of creating a welcoming and engaging environment from the very first class meeting. I learned that clear communication, introductions, expectations, and building rapport with students can help establish trust and encourage participation. I plan to apply these strategies by making students feel comfortable, explaining course expectations clearly, and creating an inclusive learning environment where students feel supported and encouraged to succeed.
I learned some important information in this course including:
- The importance of creating a safe, fun and relaxing environment.
- Establishing a supportive environment conducive to learning and promoting student success.
Comment on Monica Vallier 's post: Agree, this gives a sense that I am valued as a student.
When I start a class, I always do an icebreaker in which each student receives a colored sticky note. After presenting myself, I have them group by color, and in 5 minutes they present themselves, including their name, one thing they like, and one thing they do not like. For the last class, I also added why they chose the profession they are in.
I learned about the importance of creating my own comfortable environment in my classroom to help greet students and stay engaged
