First Time in the College Classroom: A Guide for Teaching Assistants, Instructors, and New Professors at All Colleges and Universities

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.

Table of Contents:
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

About the Author :
Mary C. Clement is the director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Berry College in northwest Georgia. She is also a professor of teacher education, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in curriculum, methods, and instructional management.

Review :
Doing anything for the first time often brings uncertainty. To address the uncertainties faced by new college teachers, Mary C. Clement presents the nuts and bolts of teaching practice in a very readable style. First Time in the College Classroom includes practical strategies on multiple aspects of teaching at the college level, such as how to choose a textbook, construct a syllabus, and develop a test. Believing that teaching is a learned skill, Clement provides essential knowledge to reduce beginning college teachers' anxiety. Her guide offers a life preserver to help new college teachers swim not sink. 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.