NAO-to-Go

The first week of classes can be very overwhelming for a new instructor. Here are some quick links for some frequent need-to-knows those first few days of the semester. 

Academic Calendar 

         What is happening, when?

Accommodate

         What do I do when I get an accommodation letter to sign?

Blackboard

         I don’t know how to do something in Blackboard, who do I go to?

Campus Map

         I’m lost, where do I go?

Campus Police

         What all can the police do for me?

FERPA

         Who am I allowed to talk to about what?

IT resources

         How do I get started with my TCTC account?

MyTCTC Tiles

         I’m not sure what I’m looking for but I need a place to start.

Payroll

         When and how do I get paid?

Starfish

         I have concerns about a students or I want to give kudos to students

TCTC Policies and Procedures Everyone Should Know 

State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education and Tri-County Technical College Policies and Procedures  (all policies/procedures)

The Student Code for SCTCS 3-2-106.1  (addresses students’ rights & responsibilities, student & academic misconduct, appeals, etc.)

The first days of class are a critical time in the semester. It is where we lay the groundwork for teaching, learning, and student achievement. It is the time for the instructor to help students lay the foundation for “starting as they mean to go on.” These tips and tools are intended to help you start the semester strong.

Tip #1: Plan for an Icebreaker

Icebreakers are a fantastic tool that can be used to get students familiar with the instructor, other students, course expectations, the learning environment and more. Some examples of icebreakers are:

• Ask the Instructor. In groups of 3-4 students, have the students introduce themselves to each other, develop a question they would like the instructor to answer, and then write the question on a note card. Collect the note cards and answer each question.

• Common Ground. In small groups, have students come up with six things that they all have in common, then have each group share their lists with the rest of the class.

• Syllabus Scavenger Hunt. In small groups have students complete a scavenger hunt looking for specific important information about the course requirements.

• Take a picture. Give the students a theme or topic (like their favorite pare of shoes or their pet) and have them bring in (post it) to class.

Tip #2: Clearly Outline Your Course Policies and Procedures

This tip is more of a necessity than a recommendation. It is critical to a successful semester that you clearly and specifically outline and discuss your expectations for the class. These expectations can include everything from when tasks are due to how you will grade, from putting names on papers to participation in class. Just remember, if you feel it is important, you should have a policy or procedure for it. Some examples of course policies and procedures might be:

•  Course Calendar. You should have a course calendar that clearly outlines what topics are being discussed, what assignments should be completed, and when things are due for each week. Here is an example

• Course Syllabus (Addendum). Your course syllabus is a set of instructions that clearly states your expectations for your students and what they can expect from you and the course. Include items like your requirements standards and criteria for graded assignments, important dates (e.g., assignment due dates, exam dates, and holidays), if you will accept late or incomplete work, a description of how grades will be computed, policies on academic integrity policies, and attendance policies. Remember, a syllabus is not set in stone and changes can be made based on student needs but be sure to inform your students of any changes in advance.

• Accommodation Letters Are Not a Choice. You will likely be sent accommodation letters you will need to sign from ARCenter. Remember, to read these letters carefully as they let you know which students need special accommodations to achieve their potential. If you have any questions, or if you need suggestions on how to meet their accommodations, email ARCenter@tctc.edu.

Tip #3: Plan to Teach from the Start

To be sure, the first days of class are an important time to learn about students, help them learn about you, and practice course expectations. But this does not mean that you should just plan on “covering the syllabus.” Planning to teach content while building a classroom community is a great way to help your students see the value in what you are teaching them. Some great teaching activities include:

• Visualize it: Have students alone or in groups of 2 – 4 draw a diagram that illustrates some key points they might see during the semester.

• What if: Have students in groups of 2 – 3 play out the ramifications of something, “What if George Washington had refused to be first President of the USA” for an American History course or “what if water molecules were not sticky” for a biology course, or “what if everyone had a personal robot” for a sociology course.

• Your examples: Have students alone or in small groups provide possible examples for several key concepts in the class.

• Assumptions and myths. Have students discuss assumptions and myths about the content area or about college courses.
  
  

Other First-Day Reminders:

• Introduce yourself: At the beginning of the first class, introduce yourself in a friendly and approachable manner and to establish your chosen level of formality and familiarity---be sure to tell students what to call you (Professor, Doctor, Joe).

• Introduce your course: Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for your course is perhaps the single most important factor in creating a positive first day climate in the classroom. After all, if you aren't excited about the history, discoveries, impacts, and questions in your field, why should others? 

• Get to know your students: Give students a chance to ask questions and begin to make their own connections so they will be more at ease and likely to stay engaged in subsequent class sessions.  It is also important to learn and properly pronounce student’s preferred names.

• Don’t live with IT troubles: If you are having trouble with technology in the classroom, reach out to IT at ex.1779.

• Take attendance: Make sure you record attendance every class period (this is a college-wide requirement).

• Online Textbooks: If you are having trouble with your online textbooks, remember to reach out to the publisher—Blackboard administrators will not be able to help with this.