students handout first day of class why interested in course

Why is the first day of class so important?

Jun 10, 2010 · 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. Consider that several of your students may be “shopping” for a schedule …

When should I use the first week of my course?

The First Day of Class. Main Content. In the first class meeting, or the first days of your online course, engaging our students in central themes of the course sends the message that we are excited and eager to help our students learn in this course and that the time they invest in the class matters. This is also a great time to begin building a productive, supportive, and inclusive …

How can we encourage learning on the first day of school?

Feb 12, 2022 · The first day of class can be exciting but also nerve-wracking. Even seasoned faculty members can become anxious leap directly into course content without introducing themselves personally, establishing rapport, and taking stock of how class members relate to each other and to the instructor.

How do you introduce yourself on the first day of class?

Spending a few minutes on class introductions can help students get to know each other, help you get to know students’ names, and can increase feelings of belonging in the classroom. In a smaller class, consider asking students to share their motivations for taking the subject or topics from the subject that they are particularly interested in.

What types of information are important to get on the first day of a new class?

Why is it important to prepare for the first day of class?

How can I make my first day class interesting?

What do you say to students on the first day of class?

How do you motivate students on the first day of school?

How do you motivate teachers on the first day of school?

How do you introduce a course to students?

What do you teach on the first day of school?

How should a teacher prepare for the first day?

How do you comment on the first day of school?

Why is it important to have a clear plan for the first day of school?

Since the success of your first day could impact the rest of the course , it is important to have a clear plan. At the beginning of the semester, many students may be "shopping" for the right class and schedule.

How to start a class?

Getting Started with the First Day of Class 1 Learn each other's names. Use icebreakers, take a class photo, or make name placards. 2 Ask students to write their expectations of the course on index cards for your review. 3 Communicate learning outcomes explaining what students should know or be able to do as a result of completing the course. 4 Explain how you will create an inclusive environment for students. 5 Present content using a real-world scenario that will give students a context for the course. 6 Stimulate interest in your course—what exciting questions will you answer? 7 Give students a taste of what is expected of them. Will they be expected to actively engage in learning activities during lectures? Will they be required to participate in group work? If so, engage students in these types of activities on the first day. 8 Discuss the syllabus near the end of the class period. Use the first valuable moments of class time to make a memorable impression on the students. 9 Spend very little time reviewing the syllabus on the first day. You will need to address it again in upcoming classes as students often switch courses in the first few weeks. When you are ready to introduce the syllabus in more depth, see Syllabus Functions for ideas on how to motivate students to refer to the syllabus.

How to teach a good first day of class?

In “How to Teach a Good First Day of Class, ” James Lang emphasizes the importance of asking students to do something on the first day in order to set expectations for participation and to spark learning and enthusiasm. The following strategies are also another way to encourage students to communicate with each other.

What is a first day survey?

A first day survey is one way to collect information about your students. Here are some things you might ask students to provide: Name and pronouns. Context (hours spent working, childcare responsibilities, etc.) Prior knowledge/experience.

Why is an introduction important?

An effective introduction helps you establish a welcoming tone and a professional yet approachable presence. Consider how your enthusiasm for the course and discipline can positively impact students’ attitudes as well.

Why do we use video to introduce ourselves?

Using video to introduce yourself to students can help students get to know your personality and better perceive your enthusiasm for the course and subject matter. At the beginning of Spring 2020, the University shared a video that included clips from many instructors' introductory videos.

Why is it important to learn the names of students?

Learning the names of your students is often cited as a simple way to create an inclusive environment in your classroom. It shows your students you care and helps to foster a sense of community. Furthermore,

What is a syllabus speed dating?

Syllabus speed dating is one way to introduce your syllabus and encourage students to engage with each other. Maryellen Weimer, writing in Faculty Focus, describes a professor who uses this method; Karen Eifler, an education professor at the University of Portland, designed this activity.

Can you use D2L Discussions in asynchronous courses?

If you can use a tool like D2L Discussions, Google Docs, or Microsoft 365 to facilitate an icebreaker activity, then you can use it in an asynchronous course. Send emails to acknowledge early participation in icebreaker and community-building exercises and check in with students that haven’t yet participated.

Can a syllabus be read outside of class?

While a well-designed syllabus should contain all important course policies and can be read by students outside of class, it is useful to discuss some aspects of the syllabus in person:

How to reduce distance between students?

Introduce yourself. To reduce the distance between you and your students, spend a couple of minutes on the first day of class introducing yourself. In addition to your name—which you should write on the board, too—you might consider including: Your research interests and how they relate to the subject.

Tasks, Activities, and Establishing Authority

The list below contains some suggestions for ways to handle the first day of teaching your own class. It is not comprehensive — every class will differ — but we hope it serves as a useful guide for strategies to make your first day successful and set the tone for a productive class.

After the First Day

Be prepared to answer a lot of email from students wanting clarifications, or wanting to transfer in or out.

References

Davis, Barbara Gross. 2001. “The First Day of Class.” Pp. 20-27 in Tools for Teaching. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

How to cultivate familiarity among students?

In order to cultivate familiarity among the students, allow some time toward the beginning of class (before going over the syllabus) for an icebreaker that allows students to get to know each other.

How long should a Power Point presentation be?

To give students a sense of the course themes and goals, you may want to provide a 5 – 10 minute Power Point presentation on the main themes and objects of analyses the course will cover.

Why Is The First Day of Class Important?

• In addition to making a strong first impression, the first day of class offers the opportunity to: 1. Build a learning-centered community by getting to know more about each other. 2. Dive into content and set the pace for the rest of the semester. 3. Define clear expectations and goals for the course. 4. Motivate students to invest in the course by...

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Considerations For The First Day of Class

Getting Started with The First Day of Class

References