Getting Started in the Classroom: Tips, Techniques, & Resources Friday, 20 September 2013

Learning Outcomes Create a syllabus that meets OSU standards Set and maintain classroom expectations Learn effective presentation skills Identify ways to establish rapport with students and engage them in the classroom

Session Overview Preparation & Planning Designing the Syllabus Preparing Presentations First Day in the Classroom Engaging Students Establishing Rapport Setting Classroom Expectations

Syllabus Section I

Which image best illustrates how you think about a syllabus?

OSU Syllabus: minimum requirements 1. Course name 2. CRN: course reference number 3. Credits 4. Prerequisites & Co-requisites 5. Course content outline

6. Evaluation of student performance 7. Measurable student learning outcomes 8. Learning resources 9. Statement regarding disabilities 10. Link to student conduct code OSU Syllabus: minimum requirements (continued) N.B. Your department might have more requirements!

The Syllabus Activity 1: [See handouts]

Compare & Contrast Comments & Suggestions Activity 1 [See handouts]

Which image best illustrates how you think about a syllabus?

Preparing Presentations Section II

Avoid fonts and colors that are difficult to read Colorblindness (red/brown ; green/yellow) Size 10 or larger Keep it simple! [ NO BLOCKS OF TEXT ] Pictures, pictures, pictures Speak clearly and confidently (to the students, not the board!) Allow student interaction Presentations

Become familiar with your tools before Day 1 Test run lab & recitation activities Beware technological problems! Learn troubleshooting techniques Technology in the Classroom

Classes with an Online Component Blackboard  Grades  Assignments  Discussion Board  Instructor/Student Communications Textbooks with Online Homework Ecampus Online Courses Technology Across the Curriculum (TAC)

Student Engagement Section III

Recognizing Engagement…

Promoting Student Engagement Engagement: The time and energy students devote to educational activities National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)

Give students control Encourage interaction and questioning Keep groups small and heterogeneous Encourage peer instruction and evaluation Provide ongoing feedback Promoting Student Engagement

What are some other ways you can encourage student engagement in your class? Promoting Student Engagement classroom debates, case studies, role plays, clickers, discussion board chats, podcasts, wikis, etc.

Collaborative and Cooperative Learning Promoting Student Engagement

Small groups Active participation Discovery-based learning Assigned roles Teamwork on structured activities Each group member has relative strengths and weaknesses Students assessed both individually and as a group Knowledge created within a population Individuals are actively engaged in a community Asymmetric roles for each member Individuals in group receive same grade Collaborative vs. Cooperative Learning

Collaborative Learning Techniques Activity 2: [See handout]

Collaborative Learning Techniques Activity 2: [See handout]

Establishing Rapport Section IV

“A positive emotional connection among students, teacher, and subject matter that emerges from the manner in which the teacher constructs the learning environment” Establishing Rapport Buskist, W., & Saville, B. (2002). Rapport-building: Creating positive emotional contexts for enhancing teaching and learning. APS Observer, 14(3).

Individually, recall an educator who was particularly effective at establishing rapport in the classroom. Establishing Rapport With a partner, discuss: 1.What did rapport look like in this classroom? 1.How was the teacher able to make it happen?

Learn your students’ names Establish credibility and build connections Use icebreakers to engage students Create a comfortable learning environment Encourage questions, discussions, and other student interactions Establishing Rapport

Build rapport, but maintain authority. Classroom environment Peer interactions Class participation Respect the space and equipment Quality of student investment and work Instructor responsibilities Availability, accessibility, office hours Teaching style/philosophy Setting Classroom Expectations

List three (3) teaching strategies modeled today that you might adapt and use in your classroom. First Day in the Classroom

Review Create a syllabus that meets OSU standards Set and maintain classroom expectations Learn effective presentation skills Identify ways to establish rapport with students and engage them in the classroom

What other pressing questions or concerns remain as you prepare for your first day in the classroom? Whom will you consult for answers? First Day in the Classroom

Remember: Day 1 will set the tone.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES [Appendix]

Students with Disabilities "Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Disability Access Services (DAS). Students with accommodations approved through DAS are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through DAS should contact DAS immediately at (541) "

Student Conduct Code [SAMPLE] College of Forestry You will be expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner. Academic dishonesty such as plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated. Therefore, students are expected to be honest and ethical in their academic work. Academic dishonesty is defined as an intentional act of deception in one of the following areas: cheating, fabrication, assisting, tampering, or plagiarism. For more information about academic integrity and the University's policies and procedures in this area, please refer to the Student Conduct web site at: and the section on Academic Regulations in the OSU Schedule of Classes.

Setting Classroom Expectations [EXAMPLE] This course requires approximately two hours outside of class for every hour spent in class. The following behaviors, attitudes, and efforts toward the class are valued by faculty; your success in the course and in college depends on these behaviors: Attend all classes Be prepared Do your best Collaborate

Setting Classroom Expectations [EXAMPLE] College of Education You are expected to be present and engaged in class, which means that you will be free from technological distractions. Please refrain from using cell/smart phones in the classroom out of respect for your classmates and your instructor.

SUPPORT Center for Teaching and Learning Fellow Graduate Students Advisor/Mentor/Supervisor Friends & Family Helpful Books: Quick Hits for New Faculty – R.M. Cordell, et al McKeachie’s Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research, and Theory for College and University Teachers – W.J. McKeachie McKeachie’s Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research, and Theory for College and University Teachers – W.J. McKeachie First Time in the College Classroom – M.C. Clement

Resources Learning Resources Academic Success Center - Academics for Student Athletes - Center for Teaching and Learning - Math Learning Center - Writing Center - Valley Library Collaborative Learning Center- OSU Computer Helpdesk - Accessibility Services -