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!
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.
Starting 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. Make getting to know the syllabus 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.
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. Clear participation, behavior, and grading guidelines need to be laid down from the get-go. Think of it as giving them a GPS for the course. When your students know what’s expected, it diminishes anxiety faster than a late-night pizza eliminates hunger. Plus, it builds trust—because everyone appreciates a guide who actually cares.
