2a: Leading the First Day of Class
In this module, faculty learn how to plan for a successful first day, start building a community of learners, and implement active learning strategies that help students understand course expectations.
To satisfy the module requirements, faculty must apply at least one technique, such as creating an outline for the first class session, using an icebreaker, or assigning a syllabus activity.
This module is one of seven modules under ACUE’s unit on Establishing a Productive Learning Environment.
Advising Subject Matter Expert(s)
Featured Faculty
Module References
Angelo, T. A., & Cross, K. P. (1993). Classroom assessment techniques: A handbook for college teachers (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Bain, K. (2004). What the best college teachers do. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Bawa, P. (2016). Retention in online courses: Exploring issues and solutions—A literature review. SAGE Open, 6(1), 1-11.
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R.-M. (2016). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Chase, B., Germundsen, R., Cady Brownstein, J., & Schaak Distad, L. (2001). Making the connection between increased student learning and reflective practice. Educational Horizons, 79, 143–147.
Conrad, R.-M., & Donaldson, J. A. (2011). Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Davis, B. G. (2009). Tools for teaching (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Foster, D. A., & Hermann, A. D. (2011). Linking the first week of class to end-of-term satisfaction: Using a reciprocal interview activity to create an active and comfortable classroom. College Teaching, 59, 111–116.
Howard, J. R. (2015). Discussion in the college classroom: Getting your students engaged and participating in person and online. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Kubacki, R., Lyon, A., Valent, J., & Wallace, S. (2017). Tips to give your students to succeed in online learning. Retrieved from http://www.duq.edu/about/centers-and-institutes/center-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-and-learning/tips-for-student-online-success
Lang, J. M. (2008). On course: A week-by-week guide to your first semester of college teaching. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Laws, E. L., Apperson, J. M., Buchert, S., & Bregman, N. J. (2010). Student evaluations of instruction: When are enduring first impressions formed? North American Journal of Psychology, 12, 81–92.
McKeachie, W. J., & Hofer, B. K. (2002). McKeachie’s teaching tips: Strategies, research, and theory for college and university teachers (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.
Nilson, L. B. (2010). Teaching at its best: A research-based resource for college instructors (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Stavredes, T. (2011). Effective online teaching: foundations and strategies for student success. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Wieman, C. (2014). First day of class – recommendations for instructors. Retrieved from the Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative at the University of British Columbia website: http://www.cwsei.ubc.ca/resources/files/First_Day_of_Class.pdf
Wilson, J. H., & Wilson, S. B. (2007). The first day of class affects student motivation: An experimental study. Teaching of Psychology, 34, 226–230.
