1. The All-Important First Day: Setting the Stage
TA/TF Orientation
CUA
F2016
Margaret Ann Kassen, Mod. Langs.

2. Your thoughts this morning?
What are you most looking forward to?
What are you most scared of?

3. Overview
3 B’s

4. “Bee” #1
“Bee” prepared

5. “Bee” prepared Check out the classroom ahead of time
Dress professionally
Arrive early
Arrange the class appropriately
Write your name, the course name and the number on the board
Bring the textbook/course
materials
Start and finish class on time

6. Make the time worthwhile
Do an activity or problem that is ‘typical’ for the class
Give an assignment for the next class
Highlight main aspects of the course description and the syllabus
Prerequisite, Learning objectives, Class policies
Explain expectations for student behavior
Punctuality, attendance, homework, study groups, etc.

7. “BEE” #2
“Bee” yourself

8. “Bee” yourself How do you want to be addressed?
What characteristics do you want to share about yourself and how do you plan to say them?
What intrigues you about your field?
What do you like about teaching this class?
Show your enthusiasm!

9. “Bee”-lieve in your students

10. Believe in your students
Use students’ names
Build a sense of community
Do an Icebreaker

11. Collect information on student background and motivation
Do an ungraded pre-test or diagnostic writing task
Ask students to fill out a profile or info card
Ask students what they expect to get out of the course, what challenges they anticipate, etc.

12. Encourage student involvement
Discuss their expectations of the course with a peer
Discuss with a peer what seems to most interesting or challenging about the course
Read the syllabus and write 3 questions
End with a One Minute Paper, where students jot down any unanswered questions they may have about the course

13. Give advice on how to do well in this course
Give pointers on how to be successful
Read comments written by students in previous semesters
Emphasize the importance of coming to class
Emphasize that much learning also occurs out of class
Explain what students can do to get extra help

14. Expect a certain level of anticipation
Excitement
Nervousness
New faces
New roles

15. “Bee” the best you can “bee”
3 Bees
Be prepared
Be yourself
Believe in your students
“Bee” the best you can “bee”