The First (or Maybe Second or Third…) Day of Class: A Once-a-Year Opportunity!

As I reflect upon the many “first days” I’ve had, I think about what I did on those days and what I wish I had done. The “don’t smile till Christmas” adage is long gone (it lasted about 4 minutes in each class for me 😀 ), but I’ve thought about what I did well and what I wish I’d done differently on that first day. I’d like to share my thoughts with you.

There is only one first day of class. But if some of these ideas resonate with you, and you didn’t start your first day with any of them, don’t despair. The second day (or third, or…) of class is not too late!

1. Course descriptions and hear-say aren’t all that great. They’re not good at conveying why math is important, relevant, and useful; why students may find it interesting and why some may actually fall in love with it! Share your passion with them!

2. Explain why you chose this subject. Of all the majors in college, why did you choose this field? How did that happen? Did you choose well? Are you excited?

3. Most classes develop important skills, but don’t be sucked into just the skills of mathematics. There is real beauty in mathematics and you can ignite curiosity and students’ commitments to learning. The more you explore learning (instead of grades) the further you’ll get in the long run.

4. Talk about your commitment to student learning. How will you support their efforts to master material? What can you do to go beyond "answer getting”?

5. Talk about your commitment to teaching. What are (or do you think will be) your favorite things about teaching. What do you need from students to be the very best teacher you can be?

6. Courses have been known to change lives. Most don’t, but why not introduce the possibility on the first day? Sometimes big changes occur incrementally; other times they hit like lightening—with a burst of light and thunderous revelations. Let students know you value both! It doesn’t matter when you “get” it; just that you do get it!

This is the beginning of the academic year. Optimism prevails. You and your students want the same thing on the first day—a good year, a positive, constructive learning experience, and the chance to succeed. At this point, everyone believes these things are possible. Find ways to make this possible throughout the year!

Students may look passive and not especially interested, but don’t be fooled—in most cases it’s a facade. Who among us hasn’t tried to look calm, cool, and collected when we’re feeling scared, uncomfortable, and afraid of looking stupid?

On the second or third day, let students wade around in some intriguing math problems, collectively discovering the water’s warm and feels good. Who knows, maybe they’ll be motivated to dive in and swim out toward deeper water!

You have only good news to share—let them hear it!

Have a great first week and let me know if you want to toss around some ideas 😀 .

Julie

juliemerrill@mathbeyondsolutions.com