Jump-Start Your Semester: Three Quick Teaching Tips

Instructor writing on a whiteboard

The first weeks of class set the tone for the entire semester. Here are three practical strategies you can implement right away:

  1. Make Your Syllabus Student-Friendly. Think of your syllabus as a guide for learning, not just a list of rules. Use clear, welcoming language, and point out how assignments connect to big course goals. Visit Syllabus Preparation for additional recommendations.
  2. Design an Engaging First Day. Skip the marathon syllabus read-through. Instead, try a syllabus scavenger hunt, a problem to puzzle over, or a quick discussion about course themes. For more ideas, see First Day of Class.
  3. Level Up Your Presentations. Slides and lectures do not have to be one-way. Add a poll or quiz, a think-pair-share, or a quick reflection break. Go to Engaging Presentations for other tips.

A little preparation now can spark momentum that lasts the entire semester.