In a guest Brainstorm blog posting, Michael Nelson, a professor of political science at Rhodes College, answers the question, “What do I hope to accomplish today [the first day of class] in each of my classes?”
“First and foremost, I want to get my students excited about the subject…
Second, I want my students to know what to expect from me this semester…
Third, I want my students to know that I love them, not in any ooey-gooey way but in the sense of wanting them to flourish…
Fourth, I want to create a sense among my students that when we gather for class, we’re on serious business….
Finally…I will start learning their names and will know them all within two or three weeks.”
It’s a good (quick) read as we get ready to get started.