I have expectations and a plan set before the first day of class. My students can tell by my syllabus what they will learn during the school year. I feel like I incorporate a lot of these things into my classroom but I learned many new techniques as well. The most impactful opportunity that I strive for all students to achieve is the ability to work well with and communicate with others. This will allow them to have a successful career as they leave high school.
Learn to read the students and the energy in the classroom. Go in with a plan, but also be flexible as the mood of the classroom changes. Don't be afraid to try something different.
Comment on Natasha Ramirez's post: This is a real issue with a class I have currently. It is near the end of the program and the concerns and cares about due dates is for the most part gone. The class consistently is turning in sub par work and missing deadlines on the assignments. A refresher on the syllabus could be helpful.
Comment on Eli Cleveland's post:
Great point Eli. I found setting clear expectations in syllabus as a great tool.
Different angles of teaching how to become successful.
I agree with the above, in terms of resources for the presentation of the teacher, the breaking of the initial silence with icebreaking participation activities and the recognition of the characteristics of learning by the student in terms of the tools for the beginning, are pillars for a good start and development of the educational activity.
I am going to have an ice breaker for the class, I think those are always helpful. Even if they are corny. I will make sure my course content is relatable and my delivery is creative and relatable to the students as well.
2nd year teacher here and I love the ideas on syllabus. Mine is short and not detailed. I want to change that.
One thing I do, as a CTE teacher, is emphasize from the first class on... this class is employment training. Limitations, expectations, assignments and such mimic the employment atmosphere. I am strict about deadlines and quality of work to prepare them for the expectations of employment. That way, they know the WHY of rules and consequences.
I agree that you have to set the expectations in order for them to follow them. Consistency is so important yet so hard to maintain. I sometimes am so hopeful that they will turn something in, in order to pass the class that I don't always uphold the late policy. I hope to do better with that.
I think there is definitely some added value to an using an icebreaker for the 1st class. I also like the idea of deadline reminders.
deadlines deadlines deadlines!
Ice breaker is important to put students at ease
Comment on Shelley Freshman's post: What if there is no time for an icebreaker?
I really took notice about the syllabus and class calendar, using both of these and utilizing different ways to highlight important information contained in each. By highlighting the important information not only do you make it easier for your students to see but also easier for you to see as a reminder to point those areas out.
I will be responsible for teaching my first class ever next month. The information posted in this module will be invaluable to help me start that journey. I love the idea of an ice breaker to start the session and get everyone engaged in meeting each other. Students are an invaluable resource to each other and getting them to engage each other right away will help them start getting things like study groups and encourage them to involve each other in learning opportunities. When I was a student I found that keeping good open communication with the other students was very helpful to my learning. Other perspectives on information is such a great way to reinforce your learning.
I love icebreakers as well i feel this takes away alot of the first day/week jitters students may have. I envolve students in many of the conversations and activities done online and in lab so everyone gets an experience.
I like the idea of "What's in it for me?" I have never heard of that before. I also think that the syllabus should be clear and concise for the student's to know due dates for assignments. A lot of times student's don't read the syllabus and so as a novice instructor I feel that it is important to spend five minutes at the end of class to review the syllabus so that students understand the expectations for an upcoming assignment or a particular due date that is coming up.
I love ice breakers at the beginning of the first class. During the first class, I spend time reviewing my policy, school policies, and requirement for the class. I give the class opportunities to ask question or talk about barriers with the expectations.
Being clear and precise on the goals and requirements for the class helps the students have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and what they will gain from the course as far as skills and knowledge.
