Greetings Colleagues:
In this post, I ask both faculty and staff colleagues to share ideas about the first day of class — how they experienced it as a student and how they think about it as an educator. I begin by sharing a “conversation starter” idea from a book devoted to how we begin classes.
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Back around the turn of the century (sorry, I just love being able to write that!), I purchased a book called Successful Beginnings that focused on those first days of the semester and how to craft a dynamic teaching and learning environment right from the start. While her overemphasis on the less than inspiring phrase “successful beginnings” is a tad condescending, Angela Provitera McGlynn makes an intriguing argument about the first day:
“The ideal classroom atmosphere is one in which students feel connected to you the instructor as well as to their classmates. There are many ways you can connect with students personally. There are also activities you can use to promote student-student connections. The general classroom atmosphere is dependent upon the quality of these relationships. And remember, the atmosphere of your class is sent in place the very first day the course begins. If you can make connections with your students, and your students can bond with their classmates early on in the semester, you will have established a “successful beginning.” This start will allow rapport and trust to grow stronger and stronger, making your classroom a more effective learning environment” (62-63).
The rest of her book goes on to detail activities and approaches designed to cultivate those kind of connections. As dazzling a pedagogical anthologist as McGlynn obviously is, we really do not need her to develop our own collection of great first day ideas.
Toward that end, I invite staff and faculty who have been imposed upon by this email and its preposterous gift to share your thoughts about first days of class.
- As a student, what were some of the most memorable and effective first days you experienced?
- As an educator, what are some cool first day strategies you have deployed?
- How do these first day issues play out in online teaching and learning spaces?
If you are son inclined, please share by either responding to this email (your response will just come to me — I will then collect and share the responses for everyone) or by going to our joyful teaching blog post on this topic, scrolling to the bottom of the page, and replying with a comment.
Thanks!
Prepostero
PDP Coordinator
I require that the students post a short bio (in narrative format) on the Introductory Discussion Board. It is always enthusiastically received by the students.
Requirements include answering a few specific questions (such as what is your major, what school do you attend, and have you taken online classes before), and providing at least one thing about themselves that makes them interesting and unique, and is appropriate for an academic class. They are also invited to attach a photo of something special to them (family, pets, car, artwork, etc.).
It tells me something about them, ensures that they know how to use the Discussion Board, and creates a sense of community.
The students can’t wait to post their bios, and many attach photos of their children, pets, or treasured items, as well as some “selfies.” Most enjoy this exercise, checking the board frequently, and posting comments to more students than are required. There are several online conversations.
They are also required to post at least two comments to their classmates, welcoming them to the class, and to respond to all questions posted to them. I make sure that every student receives at least one post showing interest in their hobbies, career plans, etc., and encourage other students to participate, by posting at least one question to each student, and try to carry on short conversations with as many students as possible, based on their responses.
Many of them discover that they have something specific in common (such as Marine wives, hobbies, places they have traveled, sports in which they participate, or a shared interest in a musical group), or know the same person. Some talk about their upcoming weddings, or their newlywed status. Interestingly, a few share their medical disabilities. They congratulate their classmates on their achievements, and admire them for participating in activities such as volunteer work. They also share their thoughts about online classes, including hints for success, and encourage their classmates to succeed.
The Introductory Discussion Board remains open for the entire semester, in case any students want to refer back to it.