First Day of Class

by Edna Pressler

Welcome to the Fall 2019 semester!

Here are a few teaching tips to help you “begin well”!

1. Be prepared by reviewing the syllabus, lesson plan, course roster, classroom, and the equipment/technology ahead of time.

2. Engage students in a meaningful activity that stimulates their interest in the course, conveys your expectations for their class work, and aligns with course objectives. For example, ask students to select one of the learning goals and state why achieving that goal is important; ask students to identify what strategies and support will enable them to be successful in their course; and/or briefly present on a core concept and then ask students to work with it in a way that is consistent with the format of the course (discussion-based, writing, problem-solving, etc.).

3. Guide students through the course syllabus, explaining the decisions you made and the reasons you made them.

4. Introduce yourself (preferred name and gender pronouns; passion for the subject; perspective on the implications/applications of the subject in the world; enthusiasm for teaching, for Regis, and for its values). Ask students to introduce themselves (preferred name and gender pronouns; prior knowledge of the subject; particular areas of interest; career aspirations, etc.).

5. Nurture curiosity about what is to come by helping students see the benefits of learning the course material and/or the costs of not learning it.