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.
This model will be the ice breaker as far as getting to know the students and also getting everyone on the same page as we prepare for a progressive endeavor.
As an online instructor, posting a warm welcome message is critical to address the content as covered in this section. In my first live session, I discuss how online my online course is conducted and my expectations for students.
Being early, prepared and ready to greet your class with enthusiasm on Day One really sets the tone and establishes professionalism. Knowing their names, being approachable and enthusiastic about the subject matter helps keep that momentum throughout the class.
Make a good first impression! Have something fun planned as a "get to know you" or ice breaker.
Comment on Phyllis Lee's post: Great summarization!
During this course, I have learned more pearls of wisdom that will help with my first day as an instructor. It is important that I set the tone on the first day, as this will help with the anxiousness and nervousness that students may feel. I will be sure to arrive before time, greet my students by name, and learn something important about each one during class. Hopefully, this will be a great experience for them.
