how to teach a colllege course first year teaching

by Mr. Deshawn Lueilwitz 3 min read

10 tips for teaching your first college class

  1. Talk to your colleagues One of the best sources of information to help you prepare is talking to other faculty in...
  2. Ask for copies of old syllabi. When you’re talking with colleagues, ask for copies of syllabi from previous versions...
  3. Let your course goals drive your content. As you begin thinking through your...

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How to teach your first college class?

Aug 15, 2016 · 10 tips for teaching your first college class 1. Talk to your colleagues One of the best sources of information to help you prepare is talking to other faculty in... 2. Ask for copies of old syllabi. When you’re talking with colleagues, ask for …

What is the best way to become a first year teacher?

Teaching Your First College Class: A Practical Guide for New Faculty and Graduate Student Instructorsis a guide for fresh professors on how to effectively teach in a college classroom. With proven strategies that work to maintain control and deliver the best educational experience possible Teaching Your First College Classtackles all of the essentials: time management, …

How can college teachers teach more effectively?

Jan 21, 2020 · By default, first-year teachers require more time to prepare than veteran teachers—there are many aspects of teaching that take time to figure out, so always give yourself a buffer. Arriving early and staying late allows you to properly prepare in the mornings and tie up loose ends at night so that you're never scrambling in a room full of students.

How do you prepare to teach a course?

Why teach in COLLEGE? In addition to the exciting opportunity to engage with first-year students, teaching in COLLEGE offers: Pedagogic development and support with our partners in CTL; Collaboration with postdoctoral teaching fellows; In Summer 2021, there was a summer quarter course incubator opportunity.

How do I teach college courses?

Requirements of a college professorEducation. Most college professors are required to have a Ph. ... Experience. ... Earn a bachelor's degree. ... Earn a master's degree or Ph. ... Focus on networking. ... Gain teaching experience. ... Get certified. ... Publish in your field.Mar 9, 2021

How do I teach my first year teaching?

End of newsletter promotion.Find Hopeful, Positive Mentors. ... Ask for Help and Demand Good Professional Development. ... Observe Other Teachers. ... Do Home Visits. ... Write Down Your Vision for Yourself as a Teacher. ... Don't Neglect Your Body. ... Do Something Non-Teaching Related. ... Catalogue Every Single Success in the Classroom.More items...•Aug 25, 2016

How do you introduce a course to students?

Let's take a look at four ways to introduce a course.Give a personal “hello” A personal greeting gives your course a friendly feel. ... Dive right in with a project. If you're teaching more experienced learners, use the intro to get to know their skill level. ... Break the ice with a discussion. ... Inspire through a story.

How do you introduce a course?

Convey a sense of enthusiasm about the content and the form of the course. Include some information about yourself so students get a sense of who you are. Positively reinforce the information in the syllabus. Indicate your availability for questions and communication, and your communication preferences.

What every first year teacher should have?

This is a long list, but you'll need to make sure you have them all: markers, highlighters, pencils, and pens. Keep special sets just for yourself to use, as many of the classroom supplies will be lost or damaged throughout the busy school year. (Perhaps tuck some away in one of your bins!)Aug 29, 2017

How hard is first year teaching?

The first year of teaching is the hardest. While being an educator is never without its struggles, the first year is by far the most challenging — pieced together with idealism, confusion, good intentions, excitement, fear, and expectations.

How do you introduce a college course example?

How to Introduce Yourself in College1 Speak clearly and loudly when you say your name in a class.2 Tell the class something memorable about yourself.3 Explain your academic interests so others know why you're there.4 Mention some hobbies and interests to make friends.More items...

How do you introduce yourself as a course instructor?

How do you introduce yourself in a speech?Your name and what the students should call you. Students need to feel comfortable addressing you and asking for help, so modeling the pronunciation of your name and the title is a great place to start. ... Your hobbies and interests. ... Explain classroom rules.Apr 29, 2021

How do you introduce yourself in college examples?

Thanks for giving me this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is [your first name]. I'm from [name of the city] where I finished my schooling last year from [name of the school]. Is there anyone here from my city? (Changes tack to engage with the audience.)Nov 23, 2019

How do you write a course description?

Writing a Course Descriptionshould be no longer than 125 words.should begin most sentences with a verb.should be student-centered and explain how the reader would benefit from the course.should be written in the present tense and active voice.

How do you write a course overview?

Course descriptions should:Be student-centered, rather than teacher-centered or course-centered.Use brief, outcomes-based, descriptive phrases that begin with an imperative or active verb (e.g., design, create, plan, analyze)Be clear, concise, and easy to understand (< 80 words)More items...

How do you introduce yourself in a college online class?

0:001:31Introduction For Online Class (EXAMPLE) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is how I would introduce it hello hello welcome welcome to week four of the work EnterpriseMoreThis is how I would introduce it hello hello welcome welcome to week four of the work Enterprise summer program I am super excited to have you here excited about all the amazing conversations.

How are first-year seminars different from other courses?

The primary distinction between first-year seminars and other courses is that first-year seminar enrollment is limited to eighteen first-year students who are admitted through a centralized online application process (most seminars have fewer than fifteen students) and most first-year seminars meet for two 75-minute sessions each week.

Why first-year students?

The first year of college is commonly a time of profound transition.

Why seminars?

Although lecture courses have an important place in the undergraduate curriculum—and may be the most effective way to teach material in certain subjects—small classes with ample opportunities for discussion provide a valuable complement to lectures, especially in the first year when students often enroll in several introductory lecture courses.

How are students admitted to a seminar?

Students apply for admission to a seminar before each term through an online application process. Because interest is greater than spaces available, students are admitted through a computerized lottery. Faculty receive a roster of admitted students before the first day of class.

Are funds available for course support?

Yes, funding is available through a designated gift to the program for course enhancements, which can support field trips, guest speakers, course materials, refreshments, etc.

Proposing a new First-Year Seminar

Faculty who are interested in proposing a first-year seminar should discuss their plans with the appropriate director of undergraduate studies to confirm that the proposed course supports the curricular needs of the department or program.

What is the book "Teaching Your First College Class" about?

"Teaching Your First College Class contains a great deal of „I-wish-I-had-known‟ wisdom for new and old instructors in higher education. The book is written clearly, with a minimum of jargon, and lays out in an accessible form the best practices for the college teacher. It should be assigned as part of any doctoral program.”

What is teaching your first class?

Teaching Your First College Class: A Practical Guide for New Faculty and Graduate Student Instructors is a guide for fresh professors on how to effectively teach in a college classroom. With proven strategies that work to maintain control and deliver the best educational experience possible Teaching Your First College Class tackles all of the essentials: time management, grading, setting rules with the students, discipline, and more. A great pick for any college educator who is just getting started, and highly recommended for college library education collections."

What is Carolyn Lieberg's teaching philosophy?

“Carolyn Lieberg runs the gamut of teaching topics and situations that first-year instructors will encounter—providing personal insights, useful strategies, and principles of good practice in college teaching—to help new instructors embrace the joys and challenges of college teaching. Both teaching assistants and those who supervise or train teaching assistants will find this an ideal resource they‟ll refer to again and again. I highly recommend it as an essential textbook for a course on college teaching.”

How to teach a course?

1. Establish your goals for the course. Having clear objectives for your course will help you know exactly what to teach, and will help your students realize what they should be learning. Objectives are meant to give you a way of measuring whether you and the course have achieved what you need to.

What is required to teach a course?

Teaching a course at any level requires knowledge, authority and the ability to anticipate and answer questions. Your students will expect to learn things they did not know, and to attain the tools necessary to continue learning in whatever subject you are teaching.

What are some examples of learning goals?

Some examples of learning goals used in actual courses are: Demonstrate the ability to read, evaluate and interpret general economic information. Apply research methods in psychology, including design, data analysis, and interpretation to a research project. Communicate effectively in an oral presentation.

How do you measure student achievement?

Rubrics help you measure student achievement by comparing it to certain levels that you've set. Most rubrics operate on a points or letter-grade scale, such as A/B/C etc.

What are some ways to assess learning?

Some typical ways of assessing learning include: Quizzes and exams. Learning activities (fill in the blank, practice equations, etc.)

How to learn about teaching?

Talk to other instructors about your course. You can learn a lot about teaching by discussing ideas with other instructors. Talking to instructors who have taught the same or similar courses can help you when you are planning your syllabus and lesson plans. You can also gain ideas from them throughout the term.

What are the components of a syllabus?

However, syllabi commonly include sections on: Basic information (course title and/or number, meeting times, office hours, contact information) A course description.

What is it like to be a first year teacher?

Being a first-year teacher comes with an abundance of obligations, emotions, and questions. First-year teachers experience a range of anticipatory feelings going into their first academic year, including excitement, fear, and everything in between. Being a teacher is a worthwhile but stressful career that brings many challenges, ...

What is the key to teaching success?

Stay Organized. Being organized is a key component of successful teaching that takes time to master. There are so many variables to account for on a daily basis that can easily render keeping up with responsibilities nearly impossible when you are not organized.

Why is journaling important for teachers?

A journal can be a valuable tool for a first-year teacher. It's impossible to remember every important thought or event that happens throughout the year, so don't put that pressure on yourself. Writing down and organizing important information makes a lot more sense.

Who is the superintendent of Jennings Public Schools?

Derrick Meador, M.Ed., is the superintendent for Jennings Public Schools in Oklahoma. He previously served as a school principal and middle school science teacher. Being a first-year teacher comes with an abundance of obligations, emotions, and questions.

Is experience the best way to learn?

As mentioned, experience really is the best way to learn. No formal training can replace field experience, including all the failures that come with learning to teach. Students often end up teaching their educators just as much as—if not more—than their educators teach them, and this is never truer than during a teacher's first year. The experience of learning and growing with your students is invaluable, and you should carry the lessons you learn with you throughout the rest of your career.

Is it easy to teach first year?

No one expects you to get everything right all the time, and they especially don't expect a first-year teacher to have it all figured out. Teaching isn’t easy. Master teachers are dedicated, not perfect. Use lessons you learned in year one to propel yourself through a second year and do the same the year after that.

What is success or failure?

In other words, success or failure is dictated by many efforts over a long period of time and not a single day or moment. For this reason, first-year teachers must learn to make the most of every day without dwelling too long on the bad ones.

Teach in the new first-year Civic, Liberal, and Global Education requirement!

In autumn 2021, Stanford will launch a new first-year requirement, the Civic, Liberal, and Global Education requirement, or “COLLEGE.” The COLLEGE requirement emphasizes a first-year experience that engages all of our increasingly diverse students in a purposeful study of liberal education and encourages the exploration of academic opportunities they can encounter at Stanford.

Option 1: New Course Proposal

A team of faculty can offer a new course (either a cluster of seminars or lecture with discussion) on the themes of liberal education, civic engagement or global engagement .

Option 2: Join an Existing Faculty Team

You can join one of our existing faculty teams and teach a seminar in one of the following courses designed for COLLEGE:

Why teach in COLLEGE?

In addition to the exciting opportunity to engage with first-year students, teaching in COLLEGE offers:

Learning Goals for the Civic, Liberal and Global Education requirement

Equip students to reflect critically about their educational goals and to explore academic opportunities.

Next Steps

Interested faculty should contact Jay Hamilton, jayth@stanford.edu#N#(link sends email)#N#, Professor of Communication, and Chair of the first-year governance board; Dan Edelstein, Professor of French, and Faculty Director of Stanford Introductory Studies, danedels@stanford.edu#N#(link sends email)#N#; or Parna Sengupta, Director of Stanford Introductory Studies, parnas@stanford.edu#N#(link sends email)#N#..

What does an instructor need to know?

Instructors need to know what actually drives their students, what matters to them.”. One way instructors can do this is to create a student avatar, a term used in marketing to describe a fictional ideal customer, someone who embodies a set of characteristics typical of a company’s target audience.

Who is Norman Eng?

Norman Eng, Ed.D. Norman Eng is attempting to solve this problem. With his book, Teaching College: The Ultimate Guide to Lecturing, Presenting, and Engaging Students, Eng shows college instructors and professors exactly how to be successful at teaching college students.

What is a two year college?

Two-Year College. Two-year colleges are excellent places for professors to hone their craft with their master’s degree. The two-year school is a place where students come and go quickly, and they will learn quite a lot from someone who has a master’s degree as it is two levels above where they are.

Why do people teach online classes?

Online Courses. There are quite a few people who teach online classes to undergraduates and master’s students because they have a master’s degree as it is. They are hired every day to ensure all the classes may be offered in the proper time, and they teach at a college or university from home.

What can a masters degree do for you?

Someone with a master’s degree may carve out a lovely career that will help them ensure are reaching students. They will find it easy to teach classes that are focused on the first two years of college, and they will have more than enough information to share .

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Principles and Strategies

  1. Provide Feedback, Early & Often – First-year students making the transition from excelling in high school to meeting expectations in a college class can benefit from feedback, early and often in th...
  2. Pose Complex, Real-Life Problems– One strategy to help students move out of the dualism and multiplicity phases of Perry’s scheme of intellectual development is to help students enc…
  1. Provide Feedback, Early & Often – First-year students making the transition from excelling in high school to meeting expectations in a college class can benefit from feedback, early and often in th...
  2. Pose Complex, Real-Life Problems– One strategy to help students move out of the dualism and multiplicity phases of Perry’s scheme of intellectual development is to help students encounter complex,...
  3. Minimize Memorization– Setting instructional goals that can be met by memorization reinforces students’ naïve beliefs about learning. While some memorization is necessary in many courses, success i...
  4. Teach Critical Thinking– Most students can’t “pick up” critical thinking skills along the way in …

The Myth of First-Year Enlightenment?

  • On January 26, 2010, the CFT held a conversation on teaching titled “Teaching First-Year Students: The Myth of First-Year Enlightenment.” About twenty faculty, staff, and students participated in the discussion. This was the description of the workshop: The popular vision of the first year experience is one of personal, ethical, and intellectual awakening. However, in his book…
See more on cft.vanderbilt.edu

Cognitive Challenges of The First Year

  • On April 1, 2010, the CFT held a conversation on teaching titled “Teaching First-Year Students: Cognitive Challenges of the First Year.” About twenty-five faculty, staff, and graduate students participated in the discussion. This was the description of the workshop: “Will this be on the test?” is, perhaps, a common question from first-year students, but why is it so common? Students wh…
See more on cft.vanderbilt.edu

Other Resources

  • Podcasts
    1. Listen to CFT podcasts on teaching first-year students, including episodes exploring “the myth of first-year enlightenment” featuring an interview with Assumption College English professor James Lang and teaching first-year seminars in a digital age.
  • Books
    1. Tim Clydesdale, The First-Year Out: Understanding American Teens after High School, University of Chicago, 2007. [Book Review by CFT Assistant Director Derek Bruff] 2. Rebekah Nathan, My Freshman Year: What a Professor Learned by Becoming a Student, Penguin, 2005. 3…
See more on cft.vanderbilt.edu

How Are First-Year Seminars Different from Other Courses?

Why First-Year Students?

Why Seminars?

How Are Students Admitted to A Seminar?

Are Funds Available For Course Support?

Proposing A New First-Year Seminar

  • Faculty who are interested in proposing a first-year seminar should discuss their plans with the appropriate director of undergraduate studies to confirm that the proposed course supports the curricular needs of the department or program. If it does, proposing to offer a first-year seminar is easy and virtually identical to proposing any new course...
See more on yalecollege.yale.edu