first day discussion
I try to engag students and elp them to develop an overall educational purpose by having them o write a brief essay on why they came to the school.In addition I ask them develop a 5 year plan.
Cierra,
Good ideas. What has been the feedback from your students using these strategies? Do they like to do these types of activities?
Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Even though I instruct in an online environment, I can tell when a student is extremely nervous about attending school. Do you teach face to face or online?
Letrice,
I teach both and I have found that I have to really adjust between the two formats in terms of how I get my students engaged. I am sure this is the case with you and your online students. You have to create a format of communication that enables you to "read" the students so you can get them involved in the course and communicating with you and the other students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
My first day discussion with a new start is actually two days:
The first day I review overall school policies, HIPPA, FERPA, explain how the library functions, discuss campus parking and emergencies, and explain the chain of command for dealing with complaints.
The second day introduces them to the faculty, staff,
Program facilities, and specific program policies and requirements.
David,
This is a good way to create a solid foundation for the students to build on. They get the needed information both from the regulatory as well as course policy to start out. Then they are ready to acquire the needed content and skills for career success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The First day goes as follows, We have an informal introduction from both the students and the instructors, This way we and the student feels both welcome and they know kinda where they stand in the class.It shows others to, that maybe, what they came to school for are there intensions also. Once completed we move on to the rules and the regulations of the school,From there is our first lecture on safety.Safety is, by far the most important lecture that is given here at the school. This usually takes the day.
My first day of class, I have the students introduce themself to me and thier classmates.Ask them why they choose this field of study, and some background information on themself.
We them review the class requirements and grading for the course. I also give them the time line for when assignments need to be completed and what happens if not submitted on time .
William,
Good first day approach. Information is given, time is allocated to get the students settled in and they get to learn about each other and their instructor. In addition, they learn how the class is going to operate and what the expectations are. The next class session they know how to be safe and are ready to go.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Being in the trade that I'm in,I tell the students how long I have been in the trade,my experience and my qualifications.Then I tell the students that they are building their future.A good foundation starts on how much effort they are willing to do.
I'll explain the policies and regulations and the consequences for violating them.
Nestor,
Good informative and realistic information to get the students thinking about what they are going to learn in the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Totaly agree!! I useualy start off with an introduction of my self and how long I have been doing my job (welding) and what to expect as far as the project that are to be done. The first day is a safety class with test. I have only been teaching for 5 years now and It rocks!! Seeing students have never done this type of hard work and succeed and make a career of it.
Knowing I made a diffrence in some ones life is worth every thing.
Jeffrey,
It does. The first class meeting is where each party (students and instructor) size each other up and then start forming opinions about how the class is going to go. By easing them into the class and having some relaxed time with the introductions everyone can get settled.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
