University of Toronto

The first year at university is vastly different from high school. The first-year experience can be overwhelming for students: not only do they have to adjust to a much more rigorous academic environment, but they also have to learn time-management skills, how to use library and online resources, how to take notes and how to write essays. First-year students are thrilled to be here but their initial reactions may be maladaptive. Some seriously underestimate their ability to meet the challenge and are terrified; others seriously overestimate their ability to meet the challenge and are inappropriately complacent. In either case, as an instructor, you have the opportunity, if not responsibility, to set them on the right academic track.

It is our challenge as instructors in such a large educational institution to achieve the benefits of scale, while overcoming its disadvantages. The reality is that University of Toronto is a richly-textured institution populated by talented, positive people, from whose activities students can only benefit, were they to know of them.

What follows are suggestions that have been put forward by experienced teachers of first-year courses, who feel that, as instructors, we can do better in easing students' transition into the realities and requirements of university work. While many of these suggestions could apply to all students, they are here offered in terms of particular relevance to first-year students, including first-year students in courses beyond the first year. It is worth noting that the instructor of a first-year course is introducing students to the university culture as well as to the course. An investment now will be a gain for both you and your students throughout this and succeeding years.

For the complete guide, please read this PDF  .