One of the biggest takeaways I gathered from this topic is how important it is to be intentional in setting the tone from day one. Several classmates highlighted strategies like greeting students at the door (Michael Cano), using name tents (Kimberly Phan), and building a sense of belonging (Laraysha Harmon, Justice Osei-Tutu). These might seem like small gestures, but they play a big role in creating a welcoming and productive classroom environment.
I especially connected with the idea that the first class is more than just an overview—it’s a chance to establish mutual respect, structure, and expectations (Rangitahi Haupapa, Kristin Minnick). As an instructor, I plan to bring a warm but professional presence, share a little about my own path (like John Mediodia suggested), and encourage students to introduce themselves in ways that connect to their goals.
In practice, I’ll apply what I’ve learned by:
Greeting students personally as they arrive
Using name tents or short introductions to help remember names
Walking students through a clear, flexible syllabus
Sharing a bit of my own journey to build rapport
Establishing classroom norms collaboratively
One comment that really stuck with me was from Kaitlin Lory, quoting a teacher who said, “I don’t want to know what you learned the night before—I want to know what came to you during our discussions.” That reminded me that active learning is the goal. I’ll be mindful to create space for in-the-moment insights, not just content delivery.
This discussion has given me both practical tools and a renewed sense of confidence for starting strong.
