The tone and interest level created on the first day can affect-irrevocably-the entire course. We highly recommend starting that first class with... Click for more
The tone and interest level created on the first day will affect-irrevocably-the entire course. We highly recommend starting that first class with a substantive engaging activity (such as a case to analyze or complex problem to solve) that will characterize the kind of thinking and work required of students to be successful in the course. If group work will be part of the course, it is a good idea to give them a taste of it on day one. We recommend doing these things even though you suspect that some students will drop and others will add between the first and second class meetings. If possible, hold off administrative matters until the end of the first class, or even postpone those of lesser importance until the second class meeting. Finally, rather than read through the entire syllabus in class, it may be more effective to hand it out and hold a quiz on the syllabus at the beginning of the second class. This will ensure that students read carefully, which will also stimulate some questions on the syllabus content. Click for less
