First Time in the College Classroom

A Guide for Teaching Assistants, Instructors, and New Professors at All Colleges and Universities

By (author) Mary C. Clement

Not available to order

Publication date:

16 July 2010

Length of book:

160 pages

Publisher

R&L Education

ISBN-13: 9781607095262

People who teach in higher education are subject matter specialists, but they often have little preparation in how to teach. This book presents the knowledge base of college teaching in a user-friendly, easy-to-read, yet well-researched format. From sample syllabi to the creation of an effective grading scale, this book covers critically important aspects of organizing and teaching your curriculum. Suggestions for preparing for the first day of the semester will make all semesters run more smoothly. Chapters about building positive student relationships, student incivility, and academic integrity provide insights about today's students, their backgrounds, and their expectations. Using techniques presented in the book for instructional management, instructors can have productive classes where students achieve success. If you teach traditional or online courses in a community college, private college, or large public university, this book needs to be on your reading list. The topics, strategies, and methods presented will not only help you to improve your courses, but will also help you to keep your job and obtain tenure. Reading this book is the equivalent of taking a course in how to teach in higher education.

Chapter 1 Preface
Chapter 2 Getting a College Teaching Job and Expectations
Chapter 3 A Successful First day of the Semester
Chapter 4 Organizing the Curriculum
Chapter 5 Lessons, Assignments, and Grading Criteria
Chapter 6 Grading Policies and Test Writing
Chapter 7 Methods for Teaching with Active Learning: Questions, Discussions, and Group Work
Chapter 8 Online, Blended, and Technology-Enhanced teaching
Chapter 9 Today's Students, Your Relationship with Them, and Helping Them Achieve Success
Chapter 10 Instructional Management That Improves Student Behaviors
11 Earning Promotion and Tenure
12 Career Stages

For new teaching assistants, instructors, and professors at colleges and universities who may not know the basics of teaching, Clement (teacher education, Berry College) provides a guide to organizing and teaching curriculum at the college level, as well as career advice. She presents strategies based on research and her experiences, for teaching methods, classroom organization and management, assessment, and dealing with students, including getting a job, what to do on the first day, writing a syllabus and lesson plans (with samples), grading and tests, teaching with active learning and technology, dealing with student behavior, and earning promotions and tenure.