
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Effective Teaching Strategies --> Meeting the Class for the First Time
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
In the first class it is important to provide an overview of the course following the introductions to each other. The overview and expectations will help the students feel they know where they are headed in the course.
First impressions are lasting impressions. Introducing yourself to the classroom is and should be first and foremost. This gives you a chance to establish yourself as the authority in the class sharing with them your experience and credentials to officiate instruction. If problems should arise you are a person that they can come to when dust settles (trust) and a person of high integrity (conscious effort to do the right thing even when no one is looking). The opportunity to meet your students is nevertheless of equal importance after all they are paying the bills to continue our profession. Learning their names and pronunciations is equally important. It also gives a chance for them to meet each other formally.
Introducing yourself to your students help make them feel more comfortable and a better classroom environment for which to have open discussions and questions.
Getting to learn about your students and them getting to learn about you can help to get on a friendly more personnel level and show that your all human, making for a more comfortable feeling in class.
I learned that taking the time for introductions does so much more than just learn each others names. It can set the stage for the success of the class by being genuine with the students.
First impressions are made positive by taking part in activities that include greeting students by the door and smiling.
As an instructor it is imparitive to ensure that the class is getting to know you as well as their classmates, this will allow them to calm down and feel more at ease on the first day of class.
It's essential to set expectations at the start of class and it's also important to learn the student's names.
Take the time to get to know your students. Share a bit about your life, career, and goals, and express your enthusiasm for teaching. Encourage them to introduce themselves to the class and make sure to learn their names. Knowing their names demonstrates that you care and that they are valued.
During the first meeting, it is helpful to create a positive and engaging environment using strategies such as administering a short pre-test to assess students’ knowledge, providing tension-relieving activities to help students get to know each other, and beginning to learn their names to create a personal connection. Encouraging group exercises promotes collaboration, and providing opportunities for students to interact helps create a sense of community. These actions set the tone for a collaborative and supportive learning experience.
Remember, the three M’s of modeling, managing, and motivating will be of great assistance to you and the class on this first day.
Introduce yourself and share some personal or professional information about yourself. Describe the class subject and an overview of what we will be learning and its relevance. If it is a large class, plan a quick game for students to become familiar with one another to help ease the tension of unfamiliarity
Finding ways to keep the learning both interactive and engaging for the students will help to break up the monotony of lecture as well as to encourage the students to participate and also get to know each other.
The concept of a pretest, in my opinion, will assist students in preparing for the actual course exams.
The first meeting is very important. It is the best time to set boundaries and class expectations. It is also great for getting to know a bit about your students and for them to get to know a bit about you.
It is beneficial to provide a brief introduction about yourself, perhaps sharing a positive story. Also encourage students to share a little about themselves. This helps create a welcoming environment where everyone is included.
Introducing yourself to the students with background and expertise will give the students an idea of what to expect in the class. Having the students introduce themselves and also give a bit of background will also help the instructor kind of feel where the students motivation is coming from and the eagerness to be in the class. Breaking the ice with this introductory meeting will help both parties engage more and be on board with the class.