2. • The first class, notes Laura Nash of Harvard
Business School, “has its own dynamics of
hospitality,” including introduction and
rituals welcome.
• Thus teachers may simply use the first class
administrative detail, going over the syllabus,
explaining assignment, and so on, sometimes
they may even dismiss the class early,
assuming that is too soon to commence the
real work of the term.
3. • The first class offer a never to-be-
recaptured moment of excitement and
opportunity.
This is your chance to preview the
best material you have to offer.
I think literature course should begin,
on the very first day, with sample of
most stirring, memorable text you plan
to read.
4. Specialist on pedagogy also suggest that the
first class is a time to engage students in an
activity, even in large lecture.
The instructor’s behavior, body language,
and appearance as well as his words in the
first class transmit a set of expectations that
has been called the “implicit contract” of
teaching .
Jyl Lynn Felman notes that “ color forever
remains an important signifier in my role as
a feminist professor – from what you wear
to who sits in class locating me at the center
of an already decentered [racial] gaze.
5. “In teaching, what students see should be
what they get”
=What deadlines for paper? The penalties for
lateness? The policies on reading paper
drafts? The criteria for grades the rules on
missing or cutting class? Your availability after
hours, on weak ends, during vacation? Some
of this can be negotiated at the beginning with
students.
Micheal Berube suggest that the beginning of
each semester is opportunity for self-renewal.
