Use the first day to help your students understand how the class will serve their needs and demonstrate your commitment to helping them learn. Set a positive tone for the term. Greet students when they enter the classroom, encourage questions, give students the opportunity to talk, and stay after class to answer questions. Make the time worthwhile. Once administrative tasks are completed, plunge into substantive material so that your students know you are serious about making progress at each session.
Administrative Tasks Write the course name and number on the board.
This message will alert any students who are in the wrong classroom to leave before you begin. Mention departmental course policies. Explain procedures for waiting lists, adding and dropping courses, and so on. Know where to refer students with such problems. Explain the procedures for the course's sections.