The First Day of Class
by Beverly Grose
Like me, you may have lots of questions about the first day of class that range from the ridiculous to the sublime. What should I wear? Do I dress formally to display professionalism or do I dress casually to stress that I'm a friendly and down-to-earth person? How early do I really need to be in the classroom? How do I introduce myself and the other students to each other?
Basically, you're asking: how do I make a first good impression? The first day I teach, I dress more formally as if I'm going on a job interview. After the first few classes, I usually dress more casually. On the first day, I arrive thirty minutes before the class and turn on my computer and the data projecter. In addition, I make sure I have "Getting to Know You" forms (see below) for my students to fill out during the class.
At least, a week before the class starts, I've developed a complete schedule for the semester, and uploaded my syllabus, and the schedule for the first day to my class web site.
When the class starts, I introduce myself briefly telling the students about my education and previous work experience. As a new teacher, you offer the great benefits of freshness and enthusiasm to your students. Do inform the students of your prior skills and work experience, education, travel, research, and publications to establish credibility as a teacher. Do let them know how much you care about teaching and writing.
You can learn the student's names and personalities a number of different ways. You have a choice whether you have an icebreaker activity or have a "Getting to Know You" form for students to fill out during the first class. I usually have the students introduce themselves to the class. Be aware of the privacy policies for students at UTD.
After the students introduce themselves, I talk briefly about the class and tell the students what they will be learning during the semester. Naturally, you will have a syllabus to hand out to the students, and you may have a MOO web site for them to view. Going over the syllabus is an important and helpful way to clarify the expectations for the class.
You may decide to create enthusiasm for the class by talking about the benefits the students will receive from your class. Examples of great benefits and important life-time skills learned in a rhetoric class include: better writing, reading, critical thinking, problem solving, creative thinking, and interpretation skills. The students will also learn how to understand the personal and social implications of important topics.
In addition, on the first day you will need to cover the mundane details of letting your students know your office hours, office phone number, and email address. The students will also need to know the attendance policy, grading procedures and textbooks and supplies required for the course. (See Syllabus General Information). In addition, you may introduce them to skills needed for the semester.
With planning and organization, your first day will be a success.
Two of my favorite web sites for great first day teaching tips are:
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