Tutor Toolbox

Your first day . . .

• Sizing Up Your Group

  At some time you must have walked into a roomful of strangers and summed them up, or joined a group of others and looked around to see who's who.
  
  You need to do this quick-smart on your first day - the sooner you get to know your students to sooner you can adapt your teaching to them.
  
  One time-honored way of getting to know each is to do round-the-room introductions. These generally identify for you those who like to talk a lot about themselves, the shy ones, any strong cultural values within the group; and some may open up about their lives in some detail – too much detail!
  
  If you ask them to also tell you what they want from the course this is empowering for them and also gives you a steer on what they are going to find valuable - this could be quite different from your view.
  
  It also helps you all to practise each other's names.
  
  Maori have a word for this ..."whaka whaangatunga" or sharing...do not underestimate its power. Once the class members become more familiar with each other they may be less likely to share so it is a golden opportunity to build relationships.
  
  You will also have to discuss any Health and Safely issues; where the toilets are; where students can buy food and drink; how to keep the classroom or site tidy and comfortable for everyone, and any ground rules.
  
  Taking some time to discuss respect within the group is important. Set ground rules like:

  • Only one person speaking at any one time
  • No swearing
  • Cell-phones off
  • No sitting on tables
  • No accessing certain areas without a hard hat
  • Not late comers without an explanation

  Discuss these guidelines with the class, explain why they are important and make sure you have buy-in.

  And . . . . .Safety . . . .   always of paramount concern

  Here is the earthquake video, DROP, COVER, HOLD . . . . 

  Try some “Icebreakers”

  Ice breakers can be useful depending on your timeframe and the nature of the class. If you are going to be together for a reasonable period of time try an icebreaker. There are some included in this section as resources.

  Non-negotiables

  If you or the institution has any non-negotiables now is the time to state them.
  You should refer to the generic programmes regulations in the Student Information Handbook which every student is given on the first day. Plus you should direct students to the Academic Statute online or in the handbook so they can check out areas such as copyright, plagiarism, extensions etc. You should be familiar with the Statute too, download a copy to have handy when you need to refer to it.

  Start as you mean to go on.

  Obviously you should adjust your style and techniques when you receive constructive feedback but simple tasks such as sticking to deadlines for assessment hand-in; only granting extensions formally; or starting class on time whether everyone is there or not should begin on DAY 1.