Hi Karl, You are on the right track as you plan for your first class. One suggestion I would make as you talk with your class about why they are there. Develop a one page worksheet with questions on it that the students fill out. This will only take a few minutes and it keeps them focused on the importance of the class. You can ask them to respond to questions about their career goals, motivation and how they see the importance of your class. You will be amazed at the results when you have the students write something down as opposed to them just speaking out. Once they have completed the worksheet you then can have a discussion with them. By having them write something down they will be more secure in their ability to respond to your questions. Sometimes the less self-confident students will try and draw back from the class because they can't think of anything to say. This way they have something written down and all they have to do is read their responses. This way you can call on any and all students that you want since you won't be waiting for someone to volunteer to speak. Let me know how your first day works out for you. Gary