First day of teaching in a class

I wish I emphasized to students that they are responsible for all chapter material whether discussed in class or not. I would try to cram EVERYTHING into the class and it was too much. Instead, I would focus on main topics and elaborate. For example, I'd cover the content with ppt (eliminating some chapter content) and then break out into groups for assignments or discussion. That way it's variety of methods, less prep time, and less cramming of information.

We did not have presenter view to view ppt notes while presenting, so I used my tablet to cue me on stuff. It helped tremendously my first year.

Thank you JaxJax5423..

If got you correctly on your second point. Did you mean to say "would try not to cram EVERYTHING into the class and it was too much"?

The use of the tablet is a smart move, thank you again!

I think I was pretty prepared since I worked as an adjunct with my community college before accepting a full-time position. I do agree with the above poster that it is important to emphasize that even if not covered in class that students are still responsible for reading and reviewing the material. To keep students engaged, I try to incorporate different modalities for presenting the info. I use PowerPoint slides, multimedia, case studies, think-pair-share, group presentations, and games to name a few. I also believe it will depend on how much time you have in your lecture. I have a 4 hour lecture which allows for me to try different strategies.

Avoid death by PowerPoint, students will get bored and ultimately not learn anything. I like to constantly ask them questions, "why would we do his instead of this?" Making sure they maintain some active learning. I also incorporate NCLEX style questions into my presentations as well. I also agree with the above posters- I focus on the application based material in lecture, but most of the memorization type material is up to them. Nursing school requires a lot of due diligence on the part of the student, you're there to help them synthesize all of the knowledge and help them learn to apply it. I made her mistake when I was first an educator to focus on both the knowledge and application equally, I have found it should be more 75/25 in favor of application. My students have done exponentially better since my focus has changed.

Thank you all.. A lot of good tips here!! I deeply appreciate y'all!

I totally agree to not to bore students with ppt slides. A colleague of mine had over a hundred pages of ppt slides.. intact I think it was 126 or so.... our lecture duration is 4hrs.. but then I felt 100 is just too much... anyway thanks for the tips

What types of games did you play with your students? I have created a jeopardy game.

I am having a tremendous problem with students asking "Are you going to post the slides?" I've taught before, but I don't remember students asking for notes/slides before class. I don't like ppt presentations...I get bored, too. And I think straight lecture is too passive. I understand these students learn in different ways from students that I had 5 years ago. It's just so frustrating!! How do you "reach" this student?

Would you be willing to share your jeopardy game or how you created it? I was considering a family feud type game but it seemed like too much work. I would love to incorporate a game to help with learning.