### Class Summary Report
**Title:** Introduction to Academic Writing and Communication Strategies
**Synopsis:** This session served as an introduction to the course, where students learned about the class structure, topics to be covered, and the communication channels to be used outside of class. The teacher also assessed students’ prior knowledge on academic writing and research, and provided a glimpse into the potential directions the course could take. An emphasis was placed on the importance of clear expression of ideas and credible research. The class involved interactive activities, including attendance taking, a name game, and two truths and a lie, to encourage student participation and familiarity.
**Attendance:**
– Six students were reported absent at the beginning of the class.
– Three students, Sofia, Diana, and Yunji, were not present and are part-time students.
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Communication Channel Establishment:**
– Students joined the class Telegram group for outside communication.
2. **Introduction and Expectations:**
– The teacher introduced themselves and set expectations for the semester.
– The importance of clear expression and credible research was highlighted.
3. **Student Introductions:**
– Students shared their names, origins, and favorite foods.
– A name game was played to help remember each other’s names.
4. **Overview of Course Structure:**
– Discussion on the focus areas: writing skills, research, and presentation.
– Students shared their existing knowledge on research and citations.
5. **Potential Course Directions:**
– Plan A: Working on two major essays (Expository on the U.S. Constitution and Analytical on Epidemic Diseases).
– Plan B: Using a textbook for a more laid-back approach to academic writing.
6. **Interactive Activity:**
– Two truths and a lie game to end the class on a fun note.
**Actionable Items:**
– Students need to ensure their e-course accounts are functional.
– Students to decide between Plan A and Plan B for the course direction.
– The teacher needs to remember and use students’ names correctly to foster a friendly environment.
**Homework:**
– No specific homework was assigned, but students were reminded to have their e-course accounts ready for the next class.
– Students to consider the course direction options (Plan A or Plan B) and be prepared to discuss it in the next class.