What are some “Best Practices” for the First Day of Class?

What are some “best practices” for the first day of class?

Here are a few:

• Learn as many student names as possible before the start of class. Arrive early, familiarize yourself with the room, and greet students as they enter.
• Introduce yourself. Share your background and why you enjoy the course/discipline. Explain why this course is important, how it relates to the profession, your contact information and your preferences regarding communication.
• Model how you will teach the course. Allow students to see what they can expect for the rest of the semester.
• Purposefully build student confidence and begin to establish a community.
• Encourage student use of campus resources and your office hours.

Adapted from Educational Blueprints, 2018