I like to start each semester by asking students to inform me of their name, major and any circumstances that they’d like me to be aware of. I want to know if a student has previous struggled with math, has a disability, identifies as a student athlete, an older learner, a parent, etc. This information allows me to make a personal connection with students and lets me know where they may need support. I follow up with students so they know they can reach out to me to address an issue before it snowballs.
I will often recruit a student note-taker at the start of the semester and informing Disability Services, so eligible students can gain access to notes via Clockwork.
By providing exam accommodations to students who require extra time or a distraction reduced environment, students who need such accommodations have access to the instructor should questions arise on an exam.
I also like to engage students in class exercises. This encourages class attendance and participation and informs me where students in the class are most challenged.