Seven Tips On How To Begin The First Day Of Class With Impact

Trying to figure out what to do during the first class for the academic year can be daunting for a new college teacher. Regardless of the course that you teach, there are some activities that you can use to start the course on an exciting note. This is particularly relevant when you're teaching a freshman course. The students are new in college and are perhaps nervous about a lot of things, including classes. There are many interesting activities that come to mind but I'll discuss two of them here as part of the general tips for your first day of class.

i. As a lecturer you should always look well-groomed; so, ensure that you dress smartly on the first day of class. First impression is very important. The first day of class is not one of those days when you just want to dress casual.

ii. You are not an obnoxious school master or mistress but your dress code and gait should indicate who is in charge. Your body language should communicate that you're not a walk-over. Your carriage should indicate authority and competence.

iii. When meeting your students for the first time, you might begin by first confirming that you have the right group of students in the classroom. Occasionally you find that there is a clash or mix up in time table and fresh students might not initially be sure where to go to for a lecture. So you don't take it for granted that the students you meet in the classroom on the first day of class are there for your course.

iv. Briefly introduce yourself to your students and have them reciprocate. Everyone takes turn to talk about themselves, including their favorite things - sports, hobbies, food, and the like. It's supposed to be a fun time. My students and I find it very enjoyable. This activity succeeds in helping you break the ice, especially for most of us who want interactive, student centred classrooms. When I have large classes to teach, on the first day of class, I use the "Getting to know you" activity to get my students to interact as they move around the class. I would usually give students a short list of information to obtain by talking to each other.

v. Distribute course outline and explain its content - office number and hours, course content, modes of continuous assessment, recommended reading, prescribed books, and so on.

vi. Set down rules, e.g. for truancy, lateness to class, submission of assignments, classroom behavior, and so on.

vii. End the class by giving a short pep talk to get your students motivated and eager to succeed at college.

How To Be The Teacher Every Student Likes

Teachers are human; although everyone seems to forget that. As a teacher, you don’t have to be perfect to be liked by, at least, most of your students. If you find it difficult getting along with your students, here are some tips that will change that.

• Ensure that you teach in ways that enable your students learn successfully.

• Make learning fun. It should not be a racket but make your classes interesting.

• Show interest in your students’ academics and welfare.

• Dress the part, especially female teachers. Your dressing makes a statement about who you are. Believe me; your students are very observant.

• Treat all students equally. You should be seen to be fair.

• Commend as appropriate. Always give constructive feedback.

• Notice little details, such as a student’s new hair style, a student being overly quiet during a particular lesson or looking unwell, but do not get too personal. Do not embarrass your students. Your target is to make them feel good about themselves and show that you care. Bottom-line: build your students’ confidence.

• Know your students by name. If not by name then by ‘face’. You should know when a ‘stranger’ is in your class. If you are teaching and casually observe a new face in class, it gives your students a feeling of belonging since it shows that you know everyone in your class.

• Notice when a student misses class and find out why.

• Grade papers fairly not necessarily generously. Your students may see you as a ‘tough grader’ and still consider you their favorite teacher.

• Allow for students’ input. Your students should be respectful not scared of you. Also, you can learn a thing or two from them.

• Smile a lot.

• Throw in an occasional joke.

• Be punctual to classes and have a valid reason for missing class.

• Be knowledgeable about your subject.

• Always make eye contact with your students.

• Exercise self control at all time. Don’t let any student make you flare up. Always maintain your composure.

• Let your students know the benefits of the course they are taking.

• Enjoy teaching your classes and your students will notice that you do.

• Show your students that you are in charge, not them. They will respect you for it.



These tips will help you to establish rapport with your students. That way, they will always think kindly of you, remember what you have taught them, and recommend your courses to other students.


Enjoy!