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.