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.

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.