FIRST DAY INTRODUCTIONS
I ENJOY A FIRST DAY ICE BREAKING SESSION OF INDIVIDUAL INTRODUCTIONS.WE GO AROUND THE ROOM STATEING AGE,WHERE WE WRE FROM,MARTIAL STATUS,KIDS,HOBBIS,SHORT TERM GOALS,LONG TERM GOALS ECT. MAKES FOR A GREAT ICE BREAKER AND ALOT OF LAUGHTER.
For the first day of class I enjoy sharing my information and encourage students to share their information with each other. The only problem I have occasionally noticed is when age related information is shared, this can sometimes lead to ageism, so I discourage sharing age. Often groups will form around age. Otherwise the ice breakers are an excellent tool.
I usually have the students interview each other, using a series of questions that I provide, and then they take turns and introduce each other. I think this gets them to know another student very quickly. I usually introduce myself--education, length of time teaching, credentials; as well as, my interest and hobbies. I might, in the future, introduce a student and they introduce me.
Anita ,
I agree. It is also important to insist that the students interview classmates that they do not know, to prevent the formation of "cliques".
Tremayne Simpson
I am gaining a much greater appreciation of the importance of planning specific activities for first day intros. I find that students are frequently overwhelmed with the thought of the class. I plan on having students interview each other and sharing information to promote networking; I find that the formation of cliques is very common and would like to see students more willing to work together as teams. Perhaps this will help.
Teresa,
This is a great way to establish networking principles, during the first day of the class.
Tremayne Simpson
I teach one of the Introduction classes, and the first day is important for the students to get to know each other and bond. Typically, the students will get to know one other person and introduce that person to the class.
Rebecca,
I agree. Knowing your audience is a key to created good "ice breakers" and first day introductions. Also, I find that it is effective to challenge student perceptions, early in the class, so that once they realize that they are incorrect, they will be more open to learn a new way of thinking.
Tremayne Simpson
Oh, I like that idea as a motivator!!!! I find (and maybe it just because I teach mostly women) that you can use just about any baby shower / bridal shower game as an ice breaker. I think it works well with a group that has new people coming in. My personal favorite is 2 truths and a lie. each person has to say 3 things about themselves, of course one needs to be a lie. Others guess what they think is the lie. I guess it works for perception of people also. My students always think that "I like mosh pits" is my lie, but I'm old and I mosh :)
I also allow each student to individually share personal information about themselves as well as what they expect from the class and me as their instructor. Additionally, I tell them about my background and professional experience to establish credibility.
Jerry,
I agree. It is also effective to create icebreaker activities, that enable the students to realize that they have a lot in common with their classmates (regardless of their perceived differences).
Tremayne Simpson
I agree that an icebreaker is beneficial to the first day of the course. In our school, we have students of all different ages, backgrounds and experience. Therefore, to promote feeling comfortable with each other, getting to know one another and making introductions, an icebreaker activity can be beneficial.
On the first as you said, it good to break the ice with the students so that they can feel at ease. Then I start to go rules and regulations, and them if they have any questions
I feel it is important to break the ice on day one because these students are required to work in close proximity to one another. It warms them up and makes them more open to sharing and working together
I think the ice breakers are a great way to break the tension in the room and allow people to be themselves and become comfortable in the classroom. The more comfortable the student the more interaction that occurs.
Ashley,
The first day of a course can be really overwhelming for most students, therefore a well-placed, "icebreaker" can "lighten the mood" in the classroom.
Tremayne Simpson
Michael,
I agree. First day introductions are important for establishing initial relationships with your students. Since most of your students already know each other, it is important to make sure that they have an opportunity to "interview" a student that they do not know, during the first class session.
Tremayne Simpson
I do this as well. It seems to mellow most of those nervous student's out and makes for some great laughs too! I ask the student's why they chose this career path too, I often find that a lot of them have very interesting stories to tell.
This sounds like a good idea. I teach in a program in which the students all pretty much know each other already, too. I am fairly new to teaching, and I am always looking for good ideas to incorporate into my classes.
oriole,
Excellent point! Giving the students an opportunity to discuss their future goals, can also serve as indirect motivation for other students in the class. For instance, a student that does not have clearly planned goals, may become inspired by listening to a peer that has well-defined future aspirations.
Tremayne Simpson
