Building Rapport With Students
and Setting the Tone on the
First Day of Class
Facilitators
Gail Hoyt, Ph.D. (Economics)
A.K.A. “Dr. I. Willoughby Prim”
Derek R. Lane, Ph.D. (Communication)
A.K.A. “Dr. R. E. Laxed”
University of Kentucky Teaching Assistant Orientation, August 18, 2003
SKIT and Role Play
TA 101 - Methods in Teaching for First Time T.A.s
“Dr. I. Willoughby Prim”
Gail Hoyt, Ph.D.
(Economics)
“Dr. R. E. Laxed”
Derek R. Lane, Ph.D.
(Communication)
University of Kentucky Teaching Assistant Orientation, August 18, 2003
Questions
TA 101 - Methods in Teaching for First Time T.A.s
• What did “Dr. I. Willoughby Prim” communicate about herself?
• What did “Dr. R. E. Laxed” communicate about himself?
• What did “Dr. I. Willoughby Prim” communicate about the class?
• What did “Dr. R. E. Laxed” communicate about the class?
University of Kentucky Teaching Assistant Orientation, August 18, 2003
Brainstorming
• What do you want to communicate?
• What did you want to know as a student?
University of Kentucky Teaching Assistant Orientation, August 18, 2003
What Students Want to
Know...
Course Coverage
Course Rules
Teacher Personality
Friedrich and Cooper (1999)
What Students Really
Want to Know . . .
Course Coverage
What will the course cover?
How will it relate to other work?
Course Rules
How will the course be conducted?
What will be the work load?
What type of exams are given?
How will grades be determined?
Teacher Personality
What kind of person is the teacher going to be?
Will the teacher be easily accessible?
Will the teacher be easy to talk with?
Information to Convey
on the First Day (HO)
About YOURSELF
Personal/Professional Background
Contact Information
Personal Style and Characteristics
Teaching Style and Characteristics
About the COURSE
Relevance
Materials
Policies and Requirements
Specifically for STUDENTS
Expectations
Success Strategies
Reassurance and Motivation
Ways to Convey
Information to Students
Syllabus
Information Sheet “ECO 201 Information Sheet”
Tell About Yourself “How to Score Points”
Demeanor and Body Language
Attire
Review Class Roll in Advance
Learn Names
Ways to Convey
Information to Students
Come Early
Ice Breaker
Be Organized -- Start on Time
TEACH CONTENT
Student Expectations
Plan an Ending
QUESTIONS?
SUMMARY
Goals for the First Day
Inform
BuildRapport
Reduce Uncertainty
Establish Classroom Environment
Motivate
CONCLUSION
Final Remarks
PLAN…
To Make a Difference!
To NOT be a Spectator!
GOOD LUCK!
Have a DYNAMITE Year!