How do you start your class? Do you jump right in with a quiz, an attendance poll, or your first lecture slide? It’s tempting to dive right into the content, the “meat and potatoes” so to speak, especially at this time of the semester when the newness has worn off and you find yourself in the trenches of getting through the curriculum. However, the first five minutes of class are essential for setting the tone for learning, engagement, motivation, and relationship-building.
A recent Faculty Focus article by Marie McQuade (University of Glasgow) and Todd Conaway (University of Washington) highlights the importance of an intentional start to class and offers 15 quick strategies—some taking less than five minutes! Below are a few of their ideas:
Greet students as they walk in: Feeling welcomed and valued is an important part of successful learning. A friendly face and a greeting are a great starting point. Try to use students’ names.
Start with epiphanies: Give students a couple of minutes to think about a connection they made between your class and other classes. Sharing “epiphanies” supports interdisciplinary learning and knowledge retention.
Remember those current events: Connect course content to real-world issues by posing a discussion question, sharing a picture prompt, or inviting students to bring relevant news clippings.
Mindfulness activities – Five senses grounding activity: The school year is hectic for everyone. Starting your class with a calm breathing exercise will help with focus and mental clarity. Try the five senses grounding activity. Are you intrigued? Check out these mindfulness classroom exercises.
The classic overview: Begin by welcoming your students and present the learning outcomes followed by an overview of the class agenda. Invite students to ask questions or if they have suggestions to give them a sense of ownership over their learning.
All of the authors’ ideas are great, so make sure you check out the full article. The strategies can be mixed and matched throughout the semester or incorporated into a consistent routine. Let us know at ctl@boisestate.edu if you have tried any of them or if you have other ideas to add.