CTE Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2004 (Vol 16, No 3)
101 Ideas for the Beginning of the Year and Beyond
It makes sense to start the semester off as strongly as we are able. Enthusiasm for teaching and dedication to student learning can make a big difference in how students respond to, and later evaluate, their courses and instructors.
Recently Susan Yager, Associate Director, CTE, presented a workshop entitled, "101 Ideas for a Great Start." Yager's list of ideas included ten "bonus" suggestions for getting next semester off to a good start. These include:
- Learn to use WebCT by taking a workshop at the Instructional Technology Center.
- Develop explicit, student-centered learning outcomes for your syllabus. For example: not "this course will cover..." but "you will be able to...."
- Visit the classroom you will be using before the first day. Check out sight lines, equipment, noise problems, etc.
- Even if you are familiar with the multimedia equipment of the classroom you'll be using, visit it just before the term begins. Updates and changes are often made right up until classes start.
Review the complete list of ideas.