An important part of starting a class is to help your students feel comfortable with you and other students, and understand what is expected of them and what they can expect to learn from the course. To do that, it is helpful if the instructor practices modeling, management, and motivating techniques.
Student comfort in class settting and expectations for course.
Many adults have been out of school for a number of years and have become rusty with their note-taking skills. Also, they need to know what you perceive as important points so they can get them in their notes and study them.
Properly setting the stage for the course you are teaching by applying these suggestions will spell success for you and your students.
To greet students as they enter your classroom, give an introduction and share small tibits about yourself, and give students an opportunity to introduce themselves and meet each other.
I learned that the first meeting is not about getting everything done but making sure the students leave feeling like they have an understanding of what to expect. Introductions are important as it allows the student a chance to open up and the students have an opportunity to learn something about the instructor.
Being aware of how we felt being a student in a new course and applying that as an instructor.
I really like the idea of the index cards and all the ice breakers!!
Help the students meet each other as well as yourself.
proper introduction and preperation will lead to a better experience for both teacher and student
Its important to survey your audeunce so that you can flex your teaching style.
It is important to learn each student's name to create a more comfortable environment for them. Coming into a class where you feel you are not acknowledged by name can make students feel as if they are not important to the class. It is important that our students feel welcomed.
It is important to discuss your accessiblity to the students as well as review policies and procedures that are relevant and specific to your class and include them in syallbus.
It is important to be prepared for class.
It is important to have some group activities for the students so they get to know each other and it will also help them relax a little bit in class.
I usually take pictures of students, 5 at a time (with their permission), in alphabetical order as per the roster. Each day, I try to learn the names of at least 5 students. But now I have 50-75 students in a class, and a lot of material to cover each day, so I am not sure what to do to learn that many names! Any ideas anyone?
Importance of using student's names.
The first impression is the most important. Remember the 3 M's: model, manage and motivate. in the classroom early to prepare, have your materials ready and be ready to greet the students as they walk into the classroom. Introduce yourself and share some of your background and experience. Introduce a fun activity where they can also introduce themselves and share something as well.
I understand it makes students feel more comfortable if they know some background about the instructor and his background/qualifications. Plus, students need to get to know each other as well.
Let them know through your experince and training that you are qualified to teach the course. Inform them of the what they will be learning and your expections for them in the course.
