Before students can learn to properly read and write, they need to believe that they belong in college. They have to feel that they are worthy of getting a degree. Many students come to college with unclear goals or because they feel it is expected of them. Most students are not the top of the class, just average students who have made it through high school. Any college teacher needs to boost up these young people and welcome them to the challenges of college.

Students teach me much more than I ever teach them. I tell them that. The classroom and college is a place where their life experiences matter and can be helpful to others. My life experiences can help them. The CUNY schools where I have taught are so rich in diversity. Again, before getting to the core elements of any specific class we have to celebrate and welcome all these experiences. A college class is where we can do this. Any time spent sharing experiences is never wasted.

For most of these students, their English class is just a small slice of their lives. Most have other classes, including their major, which they consider to be more important than English. Many have jobs and complex family/friend issues. I try to link their lives into their college experiences and show them that this writing course can only help them in all classes and aspects of life.

One goal I have every semester is not to lose students. You are never a success if students stop coming to class. Having students feel comfortable in a classroom makes them want to come to class . It is vital to know your students’ names and a bit about them. It is vital for the students to know their classmates. I make it a point to learn their names after the first class. Students like to know that their teacher knows them. Be lively. Be approachable.

Most students love to share. Group work is essential. Even the simple action of letting students write their ideas in markers on the whiteboard brings students into the class. Even the quietest student likes writing on the board and sharing

Each semester, I buy inexpensive little notebooks for each of my students.and give them out on the first day. I tell the students that it is not a class notebook, but their journal. Every class starts with ten minutes of journal writing, some just plain freewriting. Other days I give a prompt. I vow never to read their journal, but just ask that they write write write. This has been a great success as students know that their writing will not be marked and that there is no right or wrong way to journal. Later on in the semester, the journal can be a jump start to the concept of writing and rewriting. The key to good writing is rewriting. I am always so impressed by how everyone participates in journal writing in the class. Some start writing nightly. Making writing a daily process helps teach firsthand the importance of writing. Many learn to love it.

Tell the students that they are writers. There are lots of good ways to write. Just as we all look different we all write differently. Ask how they use writing in their every day life. In 2022 everyone texts each other. That is writing. Leaving a note for a coworker at your job at an ice cream parlor is writing. Writing directions is writing. Writing a recipe is writing. Make them aware.

Despite having a relaxed classroom atmosphere, I want students to be aware that a lot will be expected of them. I stress punctuality and attendance. (Half the success in life really is just showing up on time ready to do whatever.) Students are expected to do their assignments and keep their own records of the work they produce. I am doing them a disservice if I chase them down for every assignment. Set the bar high and most will strive for it.