The First Class GTA Orientation September 2003 Slide 1 The First Class (C) Grace Wiebe, PhD Director, Arts Resource Centre “Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning”, September/October 1999, p. 8

The First Class GTA Orientation September 2003 Slide 2 Overview of “The First Class” Session Introductions Encouraging Active Learning Setting the Tone Administrative Tasks Course Expectations Resources Establishing Links

The First Class GTA Orientation September 2003 Slide 3 Introductions Instructor –Assistants –Office Hours –Contact numbers Students –Role call –Introduce selves

The First Class GTA Orientation September 2003 Slide 4 Encouraging Active Learning Groups Class discussion Problem solving Definitions Real-world examples On-line discussions

The First Class GTA Orientation September 2003 Slide 5 Setting the Tone Inform and engage Lectures or discussions The hidden curriculum

The First Class GTA Orientation September 2003 Slide 6 Administrative Tasks Course Outlines/Syllabi –University regulations –Textbooks –Website –Exams Library tour Role call Safety Precautions

The First Class GTA Orientation September 2003 Slide 7 Course Expectations Course objectives Class structure Class preparation Self-study Study skills Attendance

The First Class GTA Orientation September 2003 Slide 8 Establishing Links Forging links –Establish connections –Build on prior knowledge –Link first class to final class The final moments –Get feedback –Expectations for next class

The First Class GTA Orientation September 2003 Slide 9 Resources Survival Tips: – – Teaching Support – –

The First Class GTA Orientation September 2003 Slide 10 Survival Tips Be prepared Set the tone for the year Establish links Relax!

The First Class GTA Orientation September 2003 Slide 11 ‘Testing the Waterfall on High Level Bridge During Spring Thaw’  Edmonton, Alberta, Picture taken by Troy Semeniuk, ARC