How (not) to conduct the first day of class

5 (classes on average per semester) x 8 (semesters in college) = 40 different classes and about 34 different professors, since I've had a few more than once.
That means I have sat through the first day of class in college lots of times! Notwithstanding the educational content, what follows here is the "meta-educational" content, that is, what I learned about how to educate... specifically, the do's and don't of how to conduct the first day of class.

1. Don't read the syllabus word for word. (Do provide one in class --it's worth the paper-- or have it up on a screen.)

2. Introduce yourself. Why are you teaching this? What did you study in college? Do you have a family? I always think it's interesting to know, and helpful to believe that my professors aren't just droids who stay in the janitor's closet overnight.

3. In a small class, have students introduce themselves. Yes, the name-year-major-why I'm taking this class speech is common, but in this case, I think it's a good time to use it. I want to know who I'll be working with or at least sitting next to for the semester.

4. Say something funny but appropriate.

5. Don't expect students to own the textbook yet.

6. Don't have homework due already (implying that students had to do something prior to the first
day of class. Besides the high probability that lots of people won't have noticed, it's just cruel).

7. Do give an idea of how difficult the class will be: no, you don't want to scare students away, but setting the tone for the rest of the semester is useful.

8. Use visuals, and I mean more than the syllabus. An empty classroom on the first day is just plain boring.

9. Honestly (and readers may disagree here), teaching a little on the first day is okay. Students are more likely to feel it was worthwhile to show up for a class that lasted longer than 15 minutes, and you will give the impression that you use time efficiently.

10. On the other hand, if you don't have a lot to say yet, don't drag out the class. Don't want the students to be sick of you already on the first day!

Apparently I've started a trend of making lists for blog entries. Hope you like them!
--Ellen P.

10 ways to save money in college

I realize that many people have written about this exact topic, but the student take might be less common, and the following list is completely based on my personal experiences. You may not agree with me on some points, but I have practiced every one of the following tips.

Enjoy!

1.     Seriously consider working a job that has food as a perk. Not all food service jobs are worthwhile, but even if the pay itself isn't fantastic, adding the value of that food to your wages can really add up.

2.     Whether or not you have a car, own a bike and lock. Then use that bike as often as possible. Take care of it. Note, however, that the bike should actually fit you and work decently, otherwise you’ll never want to use it.

3.     Shop for groceries with other people. It saves gas, it’s more interesting and, for the person without a car, allows her to buy more than just what she can carry…

4.     When you live in an apartment or house, cook with friends, even if you don't live with them. Of course, cooking and eating together is a fun pastime anyway, but it’s also far cheaper than eating out and is advantageous if you don’t own all the cooking supplies yourself.

5.     Save glass jars (from jelly, salsa, etc), clean them well and reuse them as free glass cups! (Comments received from friends about them: priceless.)

6.     Choose at-home group movie nights instead of everyone going out to the theater. That is, unless it’s the cheap theater. Then it might be worth it. Or find free movies on campus.

7.     In fact, take advantage of as much free stuff on campus as possible. There’s a meeting for a club you find interesting, and they also happen to be serving pizza? Go for it. The bookstore is handing out coupons for students? Take them. Believe me, the university knows the stereotype of broke college kids, so take advantage of it!

8.     Go to class and keep up your grades. Okay, so this isn’t exactly saving you money, but it’s making the most of what you already spent, especially if you’re an out-of-stater. I heard a statistic that one class period for the average out-of-state students at my university costs about $60! Similarly, if you have grade-based scholarships, keep up your GPA so you don't lose them. College already costs too much...

9.     If you get thirsty during the day, bring your own waterbottle to class, instead of buying bottled water. If you want hot drinks, try to bring your own coffee/tea/hot chocolate in a thermos, instead of buying lots of specialty drinks from coffee shops. [Note: Yes, I’m a barista, and I’m still saying this.]

10. Don’t drink ‘til you’re 21, simple as that. After that, do so in moderation, if at all. Yeah, I realize this isn't a popular one on college campuses, but I'm just saying what has worked for me...

Money isn't everything, and sometimes spending it for the sake of delicious food, a night of entertainment or convenient travel makes the expense worth it. It's up to you. I'm just saying that to enjoy the college years, money isn't always necessary...

Frankly yours,

Ellen P.