Meeting students for the 1st time always makes one feel nervous, no matter you’re experienced or inexperienced. Before the 1st class meeting, you have to think about what to do in the meeting, how to set the climate for learning and establish rapport with students. Following are some suggested activities for the first meeting:

• Write the course code, title and name of the course instructor on the board;
• Smile and greet students when they enter the classroom;
• Look cheerful and move around and start up some friendly small talk with those in their seats;
• Write your name clearly on board;
• Introduce yourself, including your experience in learning/exploring the subject and why you are excited about the subject;
• Know your students by names: for small class, ask students to introduce themselves. For large one, ask them to use notecards to write down their names, major, courses enrolled, etc. and hand in the cards to you;
• Set office hours with students;
• Tell them how to contact you.

Set the climate for learning

• Explain the nature of the meetings. Tell students what you plan to achieve in tutorial/lab sessions and how will the sessions fit into the course syllabus/learning.
• Ask for students’ information, e.g. How many have taken a previous related course? What do they expect to get from the meetings so that you can plan to start from where they are!
• Describe types of activities in tutorial/lab sessions and ask for suggestions from students;
• Set a mutual "learning contract"—what you have to do and what your students have to do—to make the tutorial/lab sessions an effective learning experience for both.

Carry out administrative duties

• Roll-calling if needed;
• Explain policies affecting students’ grades, like examination, assignments, attendance to class, projects, etc. (Consult your instructor beforehand!)
• Spell out the attendance requirements;
• Set rules for behavior like late arrivals, lack of contribution to class activities, etc.

Introduce lab work

• Distribute & explain the safety guide clearly;
• Explain the class-section-group arrangement;
• Introduce lab equipment;
• Demonstrate the proper use of complicated equipment and let students to try.

If you are nervous for the first meeting, you can tell yourself:

• It is just natural and okay to feel that way;
• You are not the only one being nervous. Your students are nervous too!
• Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Repeat the action several times as needed.
• Practice positive thinking! Assure and reassure yourself "I can do it well". Of course, good preparation helps you to become confident in your work!

In class, you have to:

• Speak clearly at an audible level and concentrate on what you are talking about;
• Write legibly on board;
• Look calm, natural and act confidently;
• Show your enthusiasm towards the course;
• Listen and answer carefully to students’ questions, and credit them when necessary;
• If you don't know the answer, tell the student that you will find it out before next meeting. Don't apologize for your inexperience or lack of expertise in teaching!

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