This month's Ten-Minute Mentor is how to get started with your classes. It may seem straightforward, but sometimes, we just get busy! Anyway, here are some tips to help you:
Getting Ready
- Syllabus & Assignments complete and posted to Blackboard (or your website)- Handouts ready and posted
- Welcome Email and Announcement sent/posted
- Blackboard class make "available" (not sure how? Contact TeLS)
Student Engagement
- Conduct Introductions (online or in class)
- Set a climate for learning - be involved
- Get students moving - have them make a decision
- Answer a silly question (or one they already know)
- Play music! Be yourself
- Remember, the most important emotional state is YOURS!
Class Management
- Teaching something the first day - not just read the syllabus
- Answer questions and solve problems early
- Tell students (and re-tell them) to CHECK THEIR E-MAIL
Grades and Assessment
- Make sure to tell (and re-tell) students how to turn in work and what the grade means
- Show them how to open their Gradebook - have them check it weekly
- Return graded work as soon as you can - post grades frequently
- Consider giving a "get out of jail" assignment
Other Stuff
- Know the important dates (last date to withdraw/ last date to turn in work, etc.)
- Advise students of campus /college events - and go yourself!
- Advise students of campus /college events - and go yourself!
Remember, you are in charge of your class. Be yourself; have some fun and enjoy your students.
Have some information that could benefit your fellow adjunct faculty? Enter your own post!
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