WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE FIRST ASSIGNMENT IN YOUR CLASS?

Game/Get to Know:

• What is the best excuse for homework that you have ever heard or tried? Will it work in this class?

Communicating Expectations/Setting the Tone:

• Go over syllabus/ give pop quiz/ sign contract that student read and understands syllabus
• As a group class comes up with reasonable expectations so they have ownership
• Assign essay on expectations in the course and what students most agree with and why
• Give first test within first 2 weeks so students know testing style

First Assignment:

• Short and easy build confidence
• Most difficult to set the tone that the course requires work
• Online class: start out easy get more difficult
• Traditional class: start out difficult let up at end
• Start out with fun project

Evaluating where students are:

• Give students exam/quiz to find out how much they know
• Give them a computer assignment to gauge how computer literate

Good Communication between instructor and student:

• 1st day get email address for all students

During the recent Great Teachers Workshop at Haywood Community College Teachers responded with these answers to the question What is the role of the first assignment in your course?