So what are you going to do? Have you decided? How are you opening your class? If you were one of the new bright-eyed and bushy-tailed students in your class, what would excite and impress you in class numero uno, other than your limited Spanish vocabulary? Here are a few ideas to break your 1st class mold wide open:
As you open the flood gates and the students start pouring into the room, greet each student at the door
Have music playing as they are searching for seats in the back of the room and settling down
If the air conditioning is on the fritz and the temp is 90 or above, pass out autographed head bands to absorb their buckets of secreted bodily fluids
Start class from the back of the room instead of standing at the lectern to grab their attention and watch their head-banded heads spin around like the kid in the Exorcist
Blackout the room for dramatic effect and begin with
- a pre-recorded welcome (on a black PowerPoint slide)
- special music the students would know
- a video clip with a relevant point
- an hilarious video clip from YouTube
- a parody of a popular movie or TV program scene or image (e.g., Avatar, Glee)
- an impersonation of a well-known personality
- a creative, relevant rap
Any one or more of the above openers will charge (or “jack”) your students more than a can of Red Bull or will knock them loopy. I’m not sure of the final effect. There must be something you can do with your unique gifts and talents that will create an amazing opening. It’s like teaching in a gorilla suit on Halloween.
What opener have you always wanted to try, but were afraid to do? If you can sing, play an instrument, or perform the finale from Riverdance, do it. Boggle your students. Set yourself apart from the rest of the pack. Be bold. Take a swig of Red Bull, if you need it. Kidding. You’ll need more than one swig. Think hard and release your inhibited self and repressed, but, probably, fertile, imagination.
These techniques can make your opening memorable and, possibly, unforgettable, plus they can set the tone for what’s coming next. You do have something planned for the rest of the class, right? You better hurry and think of an activity quickly or you’ll be nailed to the whiteboard.
Let me know what unusual opening you tried and your students’ reaction.
COPYRIGHT © 2010 Ronald A. Berk, LLC
Are you ready for your new classes? Do you even remember that you have classes to teach this fall? “No.” What is wrong with you? Oh, you’re tenured. That explains it. I knew it was either that or you’re a space cadet. I’m glad we got that cleared up.
You should be excited about opening day. Everyone is excited about something new happening this fall—football season, World Series games, new TV programs, a break in the heat, a change of underwear, different meds. Can you feel that sense of anticipation, the adrenaline beginning to pump harder, your blood pressure rising because you didn’t get the new prescription filled, and your sunburn pain starting to subside with buckets of aloe? Me too. I love the fall, especially because the Washington Redskins get a new coach and team every year. Ya never know what’s going to happen. You have to be an optimist.
The 1st class is one of the most important classes of the semester. It sets a tone and preview of what your classes and the course will be like. It’s a course trailer. Just like a movie trailer, it can serve as a teaser of what incredible topics and activities the students will experience if they stick around. Of course, if you’re not planning anything good, then you don’t need a trailer; you need serious help with your teaching. Go to your center for teaching excellence. NOWWW!!
This class can also be viewed like a movie premier or Broadway show opening. The students will exit thinking a smash hit course they will enjoy or a bomb they will be forced to endure. What are you thinking? Hit or bomb?
What are you doing differently this year to kick-off your course compared to yesteryear? “Nothing!” Oh, I forgot you just got tenure. Consider preparing your first class differently from any other. Your students don’t know (1) you, (2) your teaching methods, and (3) course content yet. You are in control. Leverage your position to your advantage to create a positive, uplifting, motivating, captivating, memorable, and hilarious first impression. Then you can resign or retire.
You know your students will be looking forward to a spectacular course. Are you thinking “spectacular,” “a little better,” “same ole’ grind,” or “you're lucky if I just show up”? Think blockbuster, unforgettable, smash hit course that will blow your students away. They’ll be texting their mommas about your course before they leave your class.
Tomorrow I’ll suggest a bunch of course openers that’ll hook your students during the first 5 minutes. It’s all in the preparation that will create an unforgettable experience.
COPYRIGHT © 2010 Ronald A. Berk, LLC
