How many in my class?

Wondering how registration is going for your class? You can check it online at any time. Click on the link below to take you to our new registration system and do a search for your class by class title. For instance, I did a search for Macintosh Basics. It brought up the screen showing there were 7 seats. This means that there are 7 seats available. Now I happen to know that this class has a total of 20 seats so that means that there are 13 students signed up for this class right now.

If you don’t know the maximum seats for your class you can find it in two places. It is on your contract which was emailed, mailed or otherwise sent to you or you can call your Program Manager and ask her/him. We will send you a roster before your class, but knowing the number ahead of time can help you prepare.

http://selfservice.cocc.edu:7001/flexibleregistration/index.jsp?frc=CLMAIN

Make the Courtesy Call

Has someone given you a courtesy call to remind you of an appointment? I find them to be of value and decided to extend the same courtesy to my students. It has turned out to make the beginning of class much smoother. This results from the calls being a time to answer questions and/or pass on additional information.

An example that comes to mind is the student who informed me during the call that they would not be unable to attend the class. I advised them to contact the department at (541) 383-7270 and make the necessary arrangements. Additional information that can be given includes:

• A statement about parking conditions.
• What items the student needs to bring to class.
• The availability of food.
• Directions to the classroom.
  

I make the call about a week in advance of the class. The script is along the following lines:

Hi, my name is (your name) and I am calling to remind you that our class (fill in the topic) will be starting on (fill in the day), at (fill in the time). It is located in room (fill in the number), at the (fill in the campus).

Contact your program manager for a class roster with names and telephone numbers.

Return Your Contract

It is that time again---your contract is in the (e)mail!

Please sign and return the contract when it arrives. We need to have the signed document to continue with the development of the winter schedule.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

First Class Preparation

Whether it is your very first class or you have been teaching for 20 years the following 6 things will get you off to a great start every time!

1. Set Up the Environment
*Furniture arrangement
*Name badges or table tents
*Arrangement of audio/visual media
*Location of rest rooms and beverage services
*Copies of class schedule, objectives, and content
*Establish an inviting and organized atmosphere
2. Introduce Yourself and Students to Each Other
*Establish your credibility to teach this class
*Explain and model the ice breaker
*Facilitate introductions as the ice breaker proceeds
3. Give an Overview of the Course
*Review schedule, objectives or course content
*Solicit student objectives
4. Clarify Expectations
Hear theirs and share yours. “Give them a skill to take home the very first night which they can use tomorrow”
5. Use The Runners Warm-up - Distance runners don’t start a race at full speed. They stretch first and begin slowly working out the kinks, then set a good workout pace. Afterward they cool down. Students should be treated the same way.
6. Give Them a Sneak Preview of Coming Attractions.

Teaching Adults Classes

The next Teaching Adults class for new instructors is Saturday, February 9th from 9am to noon. This is a time to learn COCC's policies and procedures as well as some classroom techniques. It is also a time to meet other instructors and experience the breadth of classes we offer.

The next Teaching Adults class will be held on Saturday, April 5th.