The first day of class sets the tone for the entire semester. Students often form lasting impressions about the course, its content, the instructor, and their peers within this initial meeting. Whether you’re teaching a large introductory course for freshmen or an advanced course in your field,
Here are ten effective strategies to help you get off to a strong start as a teaching assistant this fall. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it covers some key points to consider.
- Create a welcoming atmosphere for the students.
- Introduce yourself in the most comfortable way possible. It's natural to be nervous.
- Clearly communicate key policies on attendance, assignments, grading, and classroom conduct.
- Begin the process of learning students' names to foster a personal connection.
- Display a clear agenda or go through Canvas and clarify expectations.
- Provide realistic guidelines on expected study time for the course.
- Administer a learning style inventory to help students understand their strengths.
- Define the line between acceptable collaboration and academic dishonesty.
- Dive into substantial content immediately, engaging students from the outset.
- Assign assignments due at the next class to establish expectations and workflow.