1. Develop Your Philosophy of Teaching
Think
about what it is you are trying to do in the classroom. Are you passing
on knowledge of a specific subject? Teaching them how to learn?
Giving them practical information on how to be an expert in their
field? Role-modeling skills to become productive, useful members of
society? Or, all of the above? The readings, assignments, and exams
you choose to give your students should reflect what you are trying to
accomplish. Your students should understand that your assignments are
not just busywork but that these are important in order to be
successful, both in the class and later in their careers.
2. Establish Your Credibility
Beginning the first
day, establish that your students will benefit from taking your
course. Share your professional and academic credentials. Bring in
newspaper and journal articles with examples of applications of the
topics you are teaching. Illustrate that your knowledge is current.
3. Determine Your Class Culture
Decide how
formal, or informal, you want your class to be. This affects everything
including how you dress for the classroom, how your students address
you, and how you take questions. Keep in mind you also get to decide on
your attitude each day when you walk into the classroom. You want to
be upbeat and enthusiastic so that the students will be excited about
the course also. Show students that you care about them as people:
learn names, and create a classroom culture where they can feel
comfortable asking questions. Your students are less likely to be
disruptive if they know you know their name and if they believe you will
hold them accountable for being professional.
4. Be Clear About Your Expectations
Set
expectations and be consistent in enforcing them. If attendance is
important to you, tell the students this and let them know you will be
noting any absences. If you want assignments turned in on time, then
either don’t accept late papers or take off points if they are late. If
you have a cell phone, bring it with you and make a display of turning
it off before class. Whatever you do, be clear and consistent about
your expectations.
5. Use the First Day of Class Wisely
To
emphasize that you are taking the class seriously, give the students an
assignment to do that will be collected at the next class meeting. Or
assign some reading to do and announce you will have a short quiz on the
material during the second class. If the class involves writing, then
have them write. If you will be using cases, then do a short case that
first day. Keep in mind that the students are trying to figure out on
that first day what the class expectations will be. Give the students
an idea of what they, and you, will be doing.
6. Handle Discipline Problems Right Away
Remember
the importance of “withitness.” The most effective teachers are aware
of what is going on in their classrooms and enforce their policies
quickly and fairly. If a student is coming in tardy and you do not
address the problem, he or she will not suddenly decide to come to class
on time. If you do not say anything, you have essentially rewarded the
wrong behavior.
Hope everyone has a great semester!