First day
You have the perfect opportunity to set the class right where you want them. Tell them your goals for them in the course, set ground rules for them, let them know what is expected of them during their stay in your course, be friendly not friends, and if you say something they should not do, tell them what concquences they might have to bear.
Hi Dave,
Simply, tell them like it is on Day 1, do not wait. The presence must be known and made on Day 1--it's crucial.
Patricia
They anticipate this, so you might as well do it. To quote an instructor I had once "If you don't set the rules the rules will be set for you" and the results wil not be what you wanted.
Hi James,
I like this quote. :-) I am going to borrow it. The quote is so true.
Patricia
Having to give warnings of consequences of improper conduct on the first day is neccessary, however, I always feel like we are starting off on a negative note by doing this. I feel as young adults they should know how to act and some of my students are older than the others, so they take it as insulting and being treated like a child. This creates another problem. I wish we could start off on a more positive note.
Hello William,
You do what you have to do to get started on the right track, and sometimes it does mean becoming really firm and enforcing rules, policies, and procedures. You really don't want to come across as being a hard nose on the very first day, but sometimes you have to.
Patricia
The first day is a great day I like to make it fun and relaxed then get to know all students one at a time this also helps me to learn there names.
Hello Richard,
I too like to use the first day as a day to ease into the meat of the course. Continue to make it exciting for students on the first day.
Patricia
first day is the most important day and I express that to the students
Hi Jason,
What things do you do on the first day to express to the students its importance?
Patricia
I made the mistake that I said I was a new instructor and that I had never done this before on my 1st day. What a mistake!!
I actually had students ask me if I had taught the class before so when that happens it is kind of hard to avoid. I told them yes but that I had 19 years of experience in my field.
Hi Tanya,
I've had students to poise that question to me as well. You need to be honest and don't make a big deal of it. Answer the question and move forward.
Patricia
David Beam,
I couldn't say it better, the first day is the most important day. I hand out my syllabus and go over it with the students. It contains a outline of the course, objectives, expectations and methods of assement. I then do a ice breaker where the students tell why they are here and what they want to accomplish. We then take a tour of the kitchen, and discuss all the equipment we will be using. I love day one.
Hi Marco,
Wow, you really get your students excited about the course from the very beginning! I bet your students love Day 1 as well. Keep the excitement throughout the entire grading period.
Patricia
The first day sets the stage for the rest of the course, it resolves alot of questions and misunderstandings that helps to get the students into the learning mode.
Hi Vincent,
The first day really lays the foundation. If you miss the first day you've missed a lot.
Patricia
I could not agree more that Day 1 is critical in setting the tone for the remainder of the course. This course has given me some good input for issues to address in addition to just course requirements, and points.
