how to start teaching a tough course: dry organization versus excitement on the first day of class

How do you start the first day of class?

Why is it important to start teaching at the very beginning of the class?

How do you introduce a course?

How do you introduce a course to students?

What should a teacher do before the start of the learning experience?

How do you introduce yourself as a teacher?

How do you write a course description?

What do you write in a classroom introduction?

How do you teach first class students?

What is a fun way to teach a class?

What do you say on your first day of class?

What is the first day of class?

First Day of Class. The first day of class is your opportunity to present your vision of the class to prospective students. It is helpful if you can introduce yourself as a scholar and educator and provide insight into how you will teach the class and what you will expect them to contribute to the learning process.

What is the point of introduction?

The point of an introduction is to establish yourself as a unique individual sharing the classroom with other unique individuals. Other than providing your name and the name of the course you’re teaching, here is some information you may consider sharing:

What are student responsibilities?

Student responsibilities: If attendance is required, participation is mandatory, or you want them to read the assignment before class, explain to your students that this is expected of them throughout the semester. Explain policies on absences, make-ups, emergencies, and accommodating special needs.

What is a personal biography?

Personal biography: your place of birth, family history, educational history, hobbies, sport and recreational interests, how long you have been at the university, and what your plans are for the future. Educational biography: how you came to specialize in your chosen field, a description of your specific area of expertise, your current projects, ...

Introduction

Whether you are preparing to teach your first or fifty-first course, preparing for the first class meeting is exciting and should involve some deliberate planning. More than just “syllabus day”, the first day can be considered one of the most important days of the semester.

Implementation

If class size is amenable, have students introduce themselves or another student to the class. Write what you can about each student from the introductions.

Frequently Asked Questions

I would like to know the students’ motivation for taking the course so I may add or shift certain concepts covered. How can I assess this?

Other Resources

Iannarelli, B. A., Bardsley, M. E., & Foote, C. J. (2010). Here’s your syllabus, see you next week: A review of the first day practices of outstanding professors. The Journal of Effective Teaching, 10, 29–41.

Overview

The first day of class is your opportunity to present your vision of the class to prospective students. It is helpful if you can introduce yourself as a scholar and educator and provide insight into how you will teach the class and what you will expect them to contribute to the learning process.

Resources

Angelo, T. A., and Cross, K. P. Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers. (2nd ed.) San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1993.

Why is the first day of class important?

The first day of class is an excellent opportunity to ease your students into the course, and for them to get a sample of who you are as a teacher. Taking some time, not necessarily a long time, on the first day to start teaching content can engage your students in the course topics. It also conveys the message that class time is important. You might provide some big picture context for the course such as discussing why the topics addressed in the course are important, how they are relevant to your students, how they might relate to students’ future careers, or how they connect to current events.

What is a persona in teaching?

Teachers, particularly newer teachers, may put on a persona when they teach. The persona may be a reflection of a former teacher they admired or a fictional teacher from television or movies (e.g., Robin Williams in the 1989 film Dead Poets Society ). This can be problematic as students can often tell right away if the persona is inauthentic, or it can become clear over time as it is difficult to maintain a persona class after class. This inauthenticity can impact your students’ trust in you. If you are new to teaching, developing your own teaching style may take time and experience. Being authentic, invested in the success of your students, and passionate about your discipline is an excellent place to start the discovery process and a superb way to start the first day of class.

What is an active space?

An active space is one that encourages exercise and mobility. The physical health benefits of walking, running, or biking are obvious, but there are also significant outcomes for mental health. For example, regular exercise can act in the same way antidepressants do in treating mild to moderate depression. 3. ...

How do urban planners work?

As urban planners work to develop elements that promote physical health there is also an opening to fortify mental health. Designers should consider engineering schemes that inspire exercise during commutes, errands, and socializing. For instance, improving walkable spaces by widening pathways and making them safe areas.

Why do we need social spaces?

Social spaces are designed to motivate natural interactions among people. In some cases, it is as simple as installing more seating areas, including benches that face each other, to encourage social interaction. Research shows that people who live in neighborhoods with this kind of space have lower mental distress.

Is walking good for mental health?

The physical health benefits of walking, running, or biking are obvious, but there are also significant outcomes for mental health. For example, regular exercise can act in the same way antidepressants do in treating mild to moderate depression. 3. What about the more social aspects of urban living on mental health?