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. Know the Policies. Before the semester, familiarize yourself with RIT academic policies for your syllabus and future in-class discussion. Visit Syllabus Preparation for information on required and suggested policies.
  2. Design an Engaging First Day.  Avoid 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. Check out our Preparing to Teach at RIT resource for more information!