Teaching The First Day Of Class | 5 Steps To Day 1 Of A College Class

Summary

Starting a college course can be intimidating for new instructors, but with a clear plan, the first day can set the tone for success. In this video, Erika from Ever Educating shares five essential things to do on the first day of class: print the student roster, introduce yourself, take attendance, review the syllabus, and engage students with icebreakers. These steps help build rapport, clarify expectations, and create a welcoming environment. Erika also provides tips for handling various teaching situations, ensuring new instructors feel confident and prepared as they begin the semester.

Takeaways

• 😀 Print out your student roster before the first day to avoid technical issues like Wi-Fi failure or device malfunctions.
• 😀 Introduce yourself to students on the first day—share your name, title, academic background, and teaching philosophy to build rapport.
• 😀 Take attendance early and ask students for name pronunciation preferences or nicknames to show respect and help you learn their names.
• 😀 Go over your syllabus in person to ensure students understand course policies, major assignments, and expectations. Don't just assign it for homework reading.
• 😀 Use an activity to make the syllabus discussion more engaging, like having students anonymously write down one question about it.
• 😀 Icebreakers help students feel more comfortable with you and each other. They also provide a chance to learn students' names and start building community.
• 😀 Plan icebreakers that are inclusive of all students, including those with disabilities, to ensure no one feels left out or self-conscious.
• 😀 For large classes, learning all students' names may not be feasible, but for smaller classes, it can significantly improve your connection with them.
• 😀 If you're short on time, you can always carry over icebreakers to the second day or adapt them as needed.
• 😀 Remember that the first day isn't about delivering lectures—it's about setting the tone, establishing relationships, and clarifying expectations for the semester.

Q & A

What are the key things to do on the first day of class for a new college instructor?

The five key things to do are: 1) Print out your student roster, 2) Introduce yourself to your students, 3) Take attendance and learn students' names, 4) Go over the syllabus, and 5) Conduct icebreakers to help students get to know each other and you.

Why is it important to print out the student roster before class?

Printing out the student roster ensures you have access to it in case of any technical issues, such as Wi-Fi failure or device malfunction. It's important for attendance and for noting students' names or preferred pronouns.

What should instructors do when introducing themselves to students?

Instructors should briefly introduce themselves, including their name, area of study, professional background, and how they prefer to be addressed. This helps students view the instructor as an individual beyond just the role of a teacher.

How can instructors effectively learn students' names?

Instructors can learn students' names by asking them how they prefer to be addressed and using phonetic spellings on the roster. If possible, instructors should use icebreakers that require students to say their names aloud.

Why should instructors go over the syllabus in class?

Going over the syllabus in class ensures that students understand important course policies, major assignments, and expectations. It also provides an opportunity to address any questions students may have, which is unlikely to happen if the syllabus is only assigned as reading.

What is the benefit of using an activity to discuss the syllabus?

An activity, like having students write down questions about the syllabus, encourages engagement and allows instructors to address specific concerns. It can also help identify common confusion about course policies or assignments.

What should instructors do if they don’t have time for icebreakers on the first day?

If time is tight on the first day, instructors can skip icebreakers or plan to do them on the next day. Icebreakers are helpful but not absolutely necessary if the class time is limited.

Why are icebreakers important on the first day of class?

Icebreakers are important because they help students become familiar with each other and the instructor, fostering a comfortable and engaging classroom environment. They also help instructors remember students' names and pronunciations.

How should icebreakers be adapted for students with special needs?

Instructors should plan icebreakers that are inclusive of all students, considering factors such as mobility issues or blindness. It's important to have alternative options in case a student has specific needs, ensuring all students can participate comfortably.

What are some examples of icebreakers that help students learn each other's names?

Examples of name-related icebreakers include 'Name Snake,' where students introduce themselves and repeat previous names, or a bingo game where students learn about each other by finding others with specific traits or experiences.