SUMMARY OF THE TOPIC
Taking Care Of Administrative Tasks On The First Day
Creating A Positive Classroom Environment From Day One
Setting Course Expectations And Standards On The First Day
Final thoughts.
-Mario Guillermo Godoy Choto
The first day of class sets the tone for
the rest of the term. To pique students' interest, convey enthusiasm for the
topics, create a relaxed, open classroom environment, and let students know
what they can expect from you and the course. To help get the class off to a
good start, three important tasks should be addressed: handling administrative
matters, creating a positive classroom environment, and setting course
expectations and standards.
General strategies:
Visit the classroom before the first
meeting to test the room's lights, blinds, electrical outlets, thermostat, and
ventilation. Build a sense of community in the classroom by planning an
activity that provides opportunities for students to speak to one another or solve problems. Address students' concerns by getting to know them and
expressing interest in working with them during the term. The most important
details are that teachers should use the first days of class to demonstrate
their commitment to helping students learn, set the tone for the rest of the
term, greet students when they enter the classroom, start and end class on
time, encourage questions, and stay after class to answer questions or invite
students to walk with them back to their office. Additionally, teachers should
make the time worthwhile by choosing a topic or activity that will engage
students, and assume a confident attitude. Finally, teachers should arrive
early on the first day of class and talk informally to students to help them
relax.
We as teachers have to take care of
administrative tasks. For this, we can begin by identifying the course name and
number and your name on the screen or chalkboard to alert any students who are
in the wrong classroom. Take attendance, if class size permits, call the roll
or ask students to sign in. Make allowances for students who arrive late and
have a contingency plan if more students arrive than you can accommodate.
Mention campus enrollment policies and explain procedures for wait lists,
deadlines for adding and dropping courses, and know where to refer students who
have problems in these areas. Clarify your policies on attendance and review any
prerequisites for the course.
Go over course requirements and give
estimates of workload. The most important details in this text are the grading
policies, campus policies on academic honesty, invitations to attend office
hours, safety precautions and emergency procedures, and how to use equipment
safely and appropriately. It is important for students to understand the
grading policies and expectations, as well as the expectations for academic
honesty. Additionally, it is important for students to understand the
expectations for cheating and impermissible collaboration. Finally, it is
important for students to understand how to use equipment safely and
appropriately.
Since the first day of class is very
important for the development of the course, we as teachers need to create a positive classroom environment since the first day of class. We can start by
introducing ourselves and letting the students know what we prefer to be called. If
the size class permits, you can gather information about your students. Students
can write down some details like what they prefer to be called, where they live,
email, etc. in addition, if you want to have a good relationship with the
students, begin to learn their names because this will show them the interest
you have in getting along with them.
The first day in class is seen to be the best
day for the teacher to set course expectations and standards. Here the teachers
can discuss the objectives of the course. It is important to let students
know what the teacher plan to accomplish during the whole course.
General strategies
To ensure a successful start to the
course, you must visit the classroom beforehand, test its functionality, and
familiarize yourself with the equipment. Additionally, fostering community
through intellectually stimulating classes, interactive activities, and
personal connections with students enhances engagement and motivation.
Addressing students' concerns about the course, instructor competency,
workload, and evaluation methods during the initial days demonstrates a
commitment to their learning and sets a positive tone for the term.
Taking care of Administration
Tasks
Display the course information to guide
students to the correct classroom to ensure a smooth start. Take attendance,
accommodate latecomers, and have a plan for potential capacity issues. If
there's no department policy, consider prioritizing seniors or majors, and
explain campus enrollment procedures, including waitlists and deadlines, while
offering support for enrollment-related concerns.
Also, it is vital to clarify attendance policies, explain section procedures and prerequisites, and discuss course requirements and workload estimates to set clear expectations and support student success. Teachers should offer recorded materials for students who miss the first day through webcasts or podcasts or provide them with class notes from their peers. Additionally, offer catch-up assignments for latecomers to help them make up for missed sessions, such as submitting multiple-choice exam questions based on the reading assignments.
Creating a Positive Classroom
Environment
To establish a positive classroom
environment, introduce yourself and convey enthusiasm for the subject matter,
as student motivation is closely tied to instructor engagement. Additionally,
getting to know your students' names demonstrates your investment in their
academic progress and fosters a sense of motivation and active engagement within
the classroom. When taking attendance, ensure you inquire about the accurate
pronunciation of each student's name and their preferred form of address.
To create a strong class community, you
should encourage student participation and interaction by allowing students to
share personal information and engage in interviews. Moreover, facilitate group
discussions to explore effective learning and teaching strategies, where
students collaboratively generate and refine lists of best practices. Students connect and develop a deeper understanding of successful learning and teaching approaches by implementing these activities.
To create a positive classroom environment
and encourage student engagement, consider using icebreaker activities that
help students get to know each other. Nonetheless, be mindful of potential
icebreaker fatigue and choose activities that are comfortable and relevant to
the course content. Some icebreaker examples include "Birthday
buddies" and "Find someone," where students connect based on
shared characteristics or course-related statements. Additionally, sharing the
class roster or encouraging students to exchange contact information can
facilitate communication for missed classes and group work.
Setting Course Expectations
and Standards
As a teacher, in the initial class meeting, you should talk with students about the course objectives and inquire about their learning aspirations. Foster their active participation by encouraging them to outline their personal goals related to knowledge, skills, interests, or attitudes for the course. Furthermore, you must provide an outline of the planned structure and organization of class sessions, emphasizing opportunities for interactive discussions and addressing student queries. Dispense guidance on effective strategies for comprehending and studying the material, illustrating with thought-provoking questions, and advising students on the recommended amount of study time.
The first days of class hold significant importance for both teachers and students, as they set the tone and lay the foundation for the entire academic term. These initial experiences can have a profound impact on the teaching and learning process. For teachers, the early days offer opportunities to build rapport, set expectations, assess student abilities, and create excitement for the subject matter. However, they may face challenges such as limited time, classroom management, and overwhelming workloads.
On the other hand, students benefit from the first days by familiarizing themselves with the classroom, getting to know their peers, establishing a positive attitude, and identifying their learning goals. Nonetheless, they may encounter challenges such as anxiety, information overload, and the pressure of initial assessments.
Recognizing and understanding these strengths and weaknesses is crucial for educators and students to effectively navigate the first days of class. Teachers can strive to strike a balance between administrative tasks and meaningful interactions, tailoring their teaching strategies to accommodate diverse student needs. Students can focus on adapting to the new environment, seeking support when necessary, and managing their expectations while embracing the opportunities for growth.
Effective communication and mutual understanding between teachers and students during this crucial period can create a positive and enriching learning experience. By leveraging the strengths and addressing the weaknesses, both teachers and students can maximize the impact of the first days of class, paving the way for a successful and rewarding educational journey throughout the entire term.
In conclusion, the first days of class serve as a crucial period for teachers and students to establish a strong foundation for the academic year. By leveraging the strengths and addressing the challenges, both teachers and students can create a positive and productive learning environment. Through effective communication, understanding, and proactive approaches, the first days of class can set the stage for a successful educational journey, fostering growth, engagement, and academic achievement.
-Adriana Gabriela Matamoros Sales



.png)




.jpg)






Comentarios
Publicar un comentario