Meeting for the first time.
On the first day of class. I always go over the syllabus and the rules. I feel it is very important to be professional and in charge. While also trying to relate with them.
I feel that if you set the expectations early on then you student will have an idea of what you are requiring of them. I go even further and list test dates and pracitcal dates if it is a lab class. Student require structure and this helps.
sometimes its seems the students attention span only last for about 5 min. I try to start out with something funny to get there attention
I agree explaining how and when testing will occur helps the student realize how the course will go.
Jason,
Teaching is a form of entertainment whether we want to be entertainers or not. Humor is a good way to start the engagement process off with classes. Use variety of delivery and change of pace to keep students focused on you and the class and your students will be a part of the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Donna,
This is so important because it reduces their fears and concerns. Knowing about testing and when it will occur lets them focus on the other course components and not worry so much about how they will be assessed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also agree that humor is a great way to break the ice. I too have a short attention span so I like to break it up a bit to keep from being the "boring lecture" type but always remembering to stay on task! I think students like it when you are relatable and human. And who does not like a good laugh! Christina
Christina,
Like your two words describing instructors--relateable and human. We need to be this. As a person that enjoys humor I agree with the laughing part. A good laugh can do much to help students reset their brains and move to the next topic and research tells us it is good for our physical state as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to introduce myself and do icebreakers for the first class. This allows the students to relax and enjoy their peers and get to know one another. Allow the students to see the human side of me.
Shiketheia,
I like ice breakers for this reason as well. We have fun, share some laughs and get to know each other better. This is a good foundation upon which to build in the weeks to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try and learn as many of there names as possible. I call on each student in the beginning of class. Halfway through i call on them again to answer question. This shows them i am trying to learn there name. I think it makes them feel more like an individual than just another number
Tony,
I agree about learning using names quickly. I commend you for your ability to learn the names so early in the course. I know your students are impressed by your effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Learning the students' names is to me one of the most important first steps with a class. Even if I don't memorize everyone right away, I will try to reference the attendance roster before dealing with them in the lab setting so that I can call them by name. This really does help the student feel more comfortable with you and helps to build a relationship much more quickly.
I agree on the the first day you have got to lay it all out on the table and tell them what you expect, and also find some kind of common ground that you can communicate with them
