Faculty discuss strategies they use on the first day of class to engage and connect with students.
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Motivating Students
Prof. Richard Koestner, Psychology
Communicate to students why they should be motivated to learn by being present during class time and showing interest in teaching.
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Sparking Curiosity
Prof. Stephanie Weber, Biology
Prof. Jasmin Chalal, Microbiology & Immunology
Grab students' attention from the start of class by using short activities that spark curiosity.
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Navigating Course Technology
Prof. Pallavi Sirjoosingh, Chemistry
Take time during the first class to ensure students are comfortable using course learning technologies.
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Getting to Know Students
Prof. Ken Ragan, Physics
Survey students at the start of term to understand why they enrolled in the course and how to support their learning.
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Explaining the Course Structure
Profs. Giulia Alberini, Computer Science, & Ken Ragan, Physics
Walk through the syllabus so students understand how various course elements contribute to their learning.
Syllabus Scavenger Hunt
Prof. Jasmin Chalal, Microbiology & Immunology
Try a scavenger hunt activity to familiarize students with critical information on the syllabus.
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Clarifying Expectations
Prof. Giulia Alberini, Computer Science
Use the first class as an opportunity to clarify expectations and course workload with students.
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Learning Strategies
Prof. Ken Ragan, Physics
Integrate learning theory to help students move beyond memorization to higher levels of learning.