There are countless methods faculty use to start the first day of class. A common approach was to overwhelm students with content and homework to weed out the less dedicated ones. Unfortunately, such methods often fall short of nurturing a productive learning environment, and I've explored multiple methods without finding the right fit.
Remember those first days when some faculty would wing their sessions, making them unpredictable? Or those professors who'd dive straight into a heavy lecture, leaving students overwhelmed? The traditional adversarial model of 'professor / teacher vs. student' is demotivating. It leaves educators feeling defeated and students feeling lost.
What if there was a blend of research-backed strategies that not only engage students from day one but also set them on a path of undeniable success throughout the course? What if the classroom environment could be transformed from adversarial to collaborative?
Imagine walking into a classroom on day one, where everything is laid out clearly for your academic journey. From the day's topics to the final exam, every step is defined. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or set up to fail, you feel empowered. The professor is not an adversary but an ally in your educational pursuit, and the classroom buzzes with interactive energy, setting the tone for collaborative learning.
Solution:
Planning: I've discovered the power of clear planning. Providing a detailed course outline from day one means students know precisely what to expect. Provide a list of the main topics with the dates they are covered. Include dates for major assessments such as quizzes, tests, projects, and exams. This transparency builds trust and provides a roadmap for the entire course.
Learner Success: Instead of sticking to the outdated 'us vs. them' mindset, I prioritize student success. Specifically address the behaviors, attitudes, and performance required by learners to be successful. It should not a be a secret. Go one step further and provide example of what an A+ looks like with exemplars. By treating the course outline as a binding agreement, students understand their path to excel in class and know that their success is a shared goal.
Interaction: Day one should be about creating an interactive learning community. With strategic planning, there's ample time to introduce learners to the curriculum and allow them to connect with peers. Social interaction is vital to learning. When learners interact, they lay the foundation for collaborative learning. Cultivating collaborative based learning is linked with increased levels of engagement, attendance, and performance.
Incorporating these elements into my teaching approach transformed the classroom experience. This method may require initial effort, but its effects are profound. It's time to reimagine day one.