Phones Down, Eyes Up: 5 Tips to Set the Tone for a Successful Semester
The first few weeks of the college semester are crucial—they lay the foundation for a successful journey for both instructors and students. Let’s face it, though: getting students to put down their phones and focus can sometimes feel like a tall order, especially those first few weeks. With thoughtful planning and a focus on setting the right tone, you can sidestep common pitfalls, propel student engagement, and set the stage for a successful semester for you and your students!
The first few weeks of the college semester are crucial—they lay the foundation for a successful journey for both instructors and students. Let’s face it, though: getting students to put down their phones and focus can sometimes feel like a tall order, especially those first few weeks. With thoughtful planning and a focus on setting the right tone, you can sidestep common pitfalls, propel student engagement, and set the stage for a successful semester for you and your students!
So, you might be asking, “ACUE, do you have any tips from teaching and learning experts to help create an engaging classroom that motivates students?” You’re in luck—we’ve got you covered!
1. Engage! Don’t just read the syllabus.
Let’s face it: starting your class by reading the syllabus word for word can turn even the most enthusiastic student into an unfocused daydreamer. Instead of a monotonous read-aloud, consider a syllabus scavenger hunt. Who knew getting to know the syllabus could feel like an adventure? It promotes participation and ensures students absorb the course’s vital info while setting a fun, inclusive tone.
2. Make the first week count.
Think of the first class as a golden opportunity to inject enthusiasm into your course. If you treat it like a leisurely Sunday morning, your students might expect a leisurely experience rather than an exciting and even challenging adventure. Kick off with the types of learning experiences you will use throughout the course by including group work or facilitating a stimulating discussion that connects to your course objectives. Show them right off the bat that their time and learning matters!
3. Create a sense of community.
We all know that learning thrives in a social setting. If your classroom feels like a deserted island, your students might start feeling like castaways, too. Incorporate interactive icebreakers so students get to know one another and have them work with you to create a set of norms that reveal shared values and expectations. Building trust and camaraderie from day one will create a fantastic learning environment where students feel like they belong and thrive!
4. Connect course content to students’ lives.
Let’s be honest: if students can’t see how your course relates to their lives, they’re probably thinking about their next binge-watch Netflix session. Help them connect those dots. Highlight real-world applications, exciting career paths, or personal growth opportunities. Show them that your course is their ticket to the future, not just another requirement to check off the list.
5. Set clear expectations.
Nothing sends students spiraling into confusion faster than unclear expectations. Think of it as giving them a GPS for the course. Clear participation, behavior, and grading guidelines need to be laid down from the get-go. When your students know what’s expected, it diminishes anxiety faster than a late-night pizza can soothe a study session. Plus, it builds trust—because who doesn’t appreciate a guide who actually cares?
New Semester, New Opportunity!
First impressions are powerful and lasting—make yours count! The first few weeks of the semester are a golden opportunity for educators to set a positive tone. With careful planning and engaging teaching practices, you can kick off the semester on a high note, creating a strong foundation for your students’ success.
Kickstart Your Semester with Effective Teaching 101 THIS January
By completing ACUE’s new Effective Teaching 101: Starting the Semester Strong course, you will learn ways to avoid falling into common early-semester traps.
Designed for educators of all experience levels—whether you’re new or veteran, full-time, part-time, or even a graduate assistant—this course equips you with a set of powerful, evidence-based teaching practices that actively engage students and set them (and you) up for success from day one of the semester!
