#First things full#

#First things full#

Call attention (written and oral) to what makes good lab practice: completing work to be done, procedures, equipment, clean up, maintenance, safety, conservation of supplies, full use of lab time.

Start laboratory experiments and other exercises the first time lab meets.

Give an assignment on the first day to be collected at the next meeting.

Hand out an informative, artistic, and user-friendly syllabus.

Introduce teaching assistants by slide, short presentation, or self-introduction.

Take attendance: roll call, clipboard, sign in, seating chart.

Hit the ground running on the first day of class with substantial content.

Here, then, are some ideas for college teachers for use in their courses in the new academic year: Helping Students Make Transitions

to build a sense of community in the classroom.

to encourage the students' active involvement in learning and.to support beginners and neophytes in the process of learning in the discipline.to spark intellectual curiosity-to challenge students.to direct students' attention to the immediate situation for learning-the hour in the classroom.to help students make the transition from high school and summer activities to learning in college.The rationale for these methods is based on the following needs: These suggestions have been gathered from UNL professors and from college teachers elsewhere. Even if the syllabus is printed and lecture notes are ready to go in August, most college teachers can usually make adjustments in teaching methods as the course unfolds and the characteristics of their students become known. Not just the first day, but the first three weeks of a course are especially important, studies say, in retaining capable students.

It is a catalog of suggestions for college teachers who are looking for fresh ways of creating the best possible environment for learning. The following list is offered in the spirit of starting off right. Students will decide very early-some say the first day of class-whether they will like the course, its contents, the teacher, and their fellow students. Whether it is a large introductory course for freshmen or an advanced course in the major field, it makes good sense to start the semester off well.