First Class Meetings
After all the time spent preparing to meet my class on the first day, I still feel a little nervous. My most concern is making a great first impression as an instructor of quality and integrity.
Mary,
It is OK to have a case of the nerves. I still get them when I start a new class and I have been teaching for many years. By starting the class off with introductions and an ice breaker both you and your students will get settled into the course and comfortable with each other. Then you can start sharing the syllabus and details of the course and you will be surprised how at ease you will be. Enjoy your students and bring your passion for your field to the students along with excitement about teaching it to them and you will be off to a great start.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
While I am a new instructor, my experience from previous employment has helped me to be comfortable in front of a group of people. I like to start off with some information about me and inject a little humor along the way to break the ice and create a connection.
Judith,
Having this experience will help you as you settle into your new role as a learning leader. By opening your class as you are you are setting the stage for a comfortable and supportive environment for students. This is the foundation up which you will build the rest of the course and it is a good one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This will be my first term teaching. I have been in the feild for three and a half years and really enjoy what I do. I hope I can project my passion for the feild to the students while teaching them as much as I can.
This is my first time teaching a class also. I am looking forward to passing on personal experiences along with the class curriculum. I think that by just being myself and projecting a positive attitude that will be my keys to a successful first day.
Briana,
Bring your passion for your field to class each day as well as an excitement for sharing it with your students. Prepare well and be organized and you will do fine. In addition, never forget the human factor in your teaching as this is what brings the reward of student respect and rapport.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kenneth,
I think you are going to do very well your first day based upon what you have shared in these comments. You understand your role as the learning leader and what it takes to share content and career experiences. I wish you a most successful course for both your students and yourself.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You feel alittle nervous so you will acheave 100%
I think that you should greet students as they enter the classroom ,and understand and accept that being nervous is quite normal.
Share information about yourself such as the history behind your teaching career and other professional activities.
Make these comments brief,Allow students to introduce themselves, Get to know your students.
Immediately try to associate names with faces.
You can ask about career and educational goals.
Inquire about their expectations of the class.
Show enthusiasm for the subject matter and your ability to engage students is more important than experience.
Stanley,
You have outlined a great set of strategies that will enhance student engagement and promote learning. You have done a nice job of blending both the human factor as well as the technical aspects of instructional leadership.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
