On the First Day

Importance of the first day

students walking across campus on first day

Even though the first day is the day the new instructor is the most nervous, it is also a crucial day when the tone of the course for the rest of the semester is set. As the old saying goes, “You can never make another first impression.” Now you are probably thinking: “Thanks a lot. Nothing eases my worries about the first day like being told how important it is to the entire course.” Our response is to let you know that there is nothing insurmountable that can happen the first day that will keep the course from being successful. It’s just that achieving certain objectives will make your course proceed more easily. Planning your first lecture with those objectives in mind will help ease some of the uncertainties that may compound anxiety.

Some instructors attempt to deal with the first day jitters by simply handing out a syllabus, possibly giving an assignment, and dismissing the class. This behavior does not eliminate the anxiety but only postpones it. Additionally, this action gives the students a bad perception of the course; the message that the class and class time (including coming to class) is not too important leaves the students with a lackluster enthusiasm for the course. Regardless of the course you are teaching, it is important to set the tone of the course the first day. Many students decide the first day if they like a course or not. This perception is hard to change if students get a negative first impression.

Remember that the first day of class is exciting and anxious for the students as well as for the instructor. The students would also like to get a sense of connectedness with the instructor, just as you would like to connect with students. This engagement will establish a rapport with your students that will encourage active learning throughout the semester. The following ideas have been gathered as goals that, if achieved on the first day, will help support a constructive learning climate for the semester. If you outline a series of goals to achieve the first day, these will improve the flow of your course throughout the term. These include: clarifying expectations, engagement, and creating excitement and enthusiasm for the course. These do not necessarily have to be accomplished in any order and could be achieved throughout the first day.

First day goals:

If you are unsure of how to approach the first day of class, try to achieve these three goals:

These do not necessarily have to be accomplished in any order and could be achieved throughout the first day.

Your appearance is the first impression your students have of you. The type of clothing you wear conveys meaning and attitude to the students. Casual clothes convey accessibility while more formal wear indicates professionalism. If you are soft-spoken and worry that you may not command the attention of the course, more formal wear will be more appropriate to help you obtain a sense of authority in the classroom. Many professors start formal the first day and then dress more casually as the term progresses.