The Room and Physical Equipment

Before the quarter begins, check on the classroom. Is it adequate? Does it have enough seats? Can you rearrange them to suit the teaching method you will be using most often (e.g., in a circle for discussion or facing the board for lecture)? Stand in the back and look at the board-is there any glare? Do you need to pull the blinds before you use the board? The students will expect you to provide a workable situation, and being in control of the physical environment will help you feel in control of the class. Assuring yourself that the physical structure of the classroom itself will not impede your teaching can have a calming effect.

An equipment checklist may be found in Stanford's Teaching at Stanford Handbook (PDF).