Overview
First impressions are always important, especially at the start of class. The first day of class provides faculty with the opportunity to present their vision for the class, as well as laying out expectations for a student to successfully complete the term. Students will appreciate a clear roadmap of the course and what they can expect to accomplish in the course.
Strategies
Introduce Yourself
Provide students with a brief personal and educational biography. Allow students to introduce themselves to get a sense of their reasons for taking the course, interest in a particular topic, and what they would like to learn from the course.
Set Course Expectations
It is important to set clear expectations for students in completing their coursework, how they are to engage in the course, how they will be assessed, as well as how to successfully complete the course.
References
- Center for Teaching Excellence (University of Florida): Meeting Student Needs (.pdf)
- Teaching Beyond the Podium podcast (Center for Teaching Excellence, University of Florida): First Day of Class Strategies | Transcript (.pdf)
- Center for Teaching Excellence (University of Florida): Winning Strategies (.pdf)
- Center for Teaching Excellence (University of Florida): Classroom Icebreakers (.pdf)
- Center for Instructional Technology and Training (University of Florida): Instructor Presence in Online Courses
- Center for Teaching Excellence (University of Florida): Creating a Digital Personality (.pdf)
- Center for Teaching Excellence (University of Florida): Building Community in an Online Classroom (.pdf)