Imagine walking into the classroom on the first day of term.

Students are wondering what to expect and you immediately put them at ease. They get the information they’re seeking: what’s expected of them this term, how will they be evaluated, what their interactions with you will be like, how they will interact with their classmates… Imagine channeling that new-semester-enthusiasm into learning on the very first day… It will take planning on  your part (and clear information from your supervisor), but first impressions can go a long way.

Figuring out how to untangle the Human Knotphoto © 2009 Global Reach Out | more info (via: Wylio)
Here are some ideas to start your semester and please contribute your own to the comments below.

  • Introduce yourself. Besides telling the students your name, tell them a little about your research, your program, why you’re interested in the subject of their course, how it’s relevant to your own work. Tell them how you got here or what you’re planning. Tell them why this course matters —  tell a joke if that’s your style. You’ll be spending a great deal of time with these students so set the tone from the beginning.
  • Start with an icebreaker. Icebreakers help people feel welcome and get to know each other in a fun way. You can also use them to introduce material or uncover students’ attitudes and assumptions. There are websites full of icebreakers you can modify to suit your course (sometimes you need to modify them to make them suitable for higher ed. Ice breakers are common for the K12 level and summer camp too). From “Name, Major, What you did over the break” to “Hopes and Concerns” to “Classroom Bingo” to “Word Association” to “Burning Questions” or making a “Human Knot,” you’re limited only by your imagination and the size of your learning space (which it’s a good idea to scope out before the first day).

What else do you do on the first day to get your semester off to a good start?

 

2 Responses to Dilemma: New semester, new class

  1. Melanie Santarossa says:

    Bring snacks. Nothing settles first-dat jitters like some yummy treats!

  2. […] her tips are useful reminders to do what we already do, again. For instance, have you tried using ice breakers at the mid-point to change the mood in your class? Homan offers some suggestions on how to use ice […]

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