Meeting class for frist time.
Frist impression is always your best impression.
Hi Mary,
Right you are. The smile factor goes a long way in setting the tone for the class and the confidence factor helps your students to develop trust in your abilities.
Gary
I was always taught to walk into a room with a smile and confidence and it sill set the tone for the room. Sounds like that applies to teaching as well.
Hi Manda,
Right you are about the need for passion about our subject matter. If we are enthusiastic about our field then our students reflect that attitude in their desire to learn the required content and skills.
Gary
I cannot stress how important it is for students to see the that you have a love of the subject you teach.
As someone who teaches math, I understand that many students come with a sometimes negative experience and lack of passion for the subject. I think back to some of the classes I had as a student that I didn't look forward to, and the instructors' attitudes made the class a different experience than I expected.
So a sincere passion in your subject matter goes a long way!
Michelle,
I use this icebreaker as well but instead of something personal I want the students to tell us something funny about themselves.
I use to ask for something personal and the conversations became too serious. There are some students who are having such a hard time they can't wait to tell someone. The situation I am referring to was so serious some of the students began to cry. That changed the positive setting fast, and every story after the first sad one was sad.
I do make myself available to the students if they need to talk seriously, and we have a counselor.
I agree. I think it is a very good idea to remain focused and professional because you are setting the stage. I also find appropiate humor a good way to break the ice. I also like for the students to introduce themselves and tell a fun fact about them. It helps them to see you as a professional but also as a human.
Hi Denice,
I like your ice breaker. I am sure you get some very interesting comments from the students on the "last minute meal" question. Gets them to talking and introduced to each other as well as yourself.
Gary
I use a "breaking the ice" activity known as" getting to know you". It's a series of simple questions such as "What led to your being in this class at this time?" and "If you had to prepare a last minute meal for someone with things you keep on hand what would that be?" It seems to put students at ease and allows me to get to know them a bit more.
It is true fist impression last. This is the reason why one must be througly be prepared before meeting the class for the first time. I really believe that the first 15 mins of the class is also important. This the time that the students attention is heightend and very focus. This is the time they want to know what they will be dealing with for the next few hours of the class.
Be happy. Bring Joy with you.
I am a new skills lab instructor in nursing and was thinking of doing the exact same thing. It's comforting to know that others do this as well. I remember doing it when I was in college, graduate, and post-graduate school and it made the environment more comfortable.
Hi Jane,
I generally teach small groups of 10 or fewer students. I too feel getting to know each student on first name basis is absolutely critical. I try very hard to master their names by the second class. It shows my sincere desire to get to know them and help them master the course material.
Candice
Hi Virginia,
Way to go in setting the stage for a successful course. You then can build on the first class impression to create a positive and supportive learning environment for the entire course.
Gary
The first impression may only take minutes. Being well-prepared, organized, enthusiastic about the course, letting the students know that you are committed to their success, being competent and knowledgeable about the subject matter--take some time to congratulate the students for successful completion of previous courses required for admittance to your level/course.
A sense of humor begins the bonding process.
Hi Jane,
Way to go in setting the stage for a positive class. Your learning of names and something about each students demonstrates to them that you care about them as individuals as well as students. This helps to keep them focused on the course and their career goals.
Gary
I've learned the importance of calling students by name right away. On the first day, I pass around a seating chart (the students don't have to sit in the same seat each time) so that I can put it on the table in front of me and glance down at it each time I call on a student. Calling them by name shows that I care about them as individuals. I also ask them to call me by my first name, and I ask them each to tell me what their major or program is and let them know that I will try my best to tailor the class to their specific needs and interests. I try to smile often and make sure that my clothing is appropriate but not stuffy and make eye contact with each student during each class session.
Thanks for the advice. I think that is a great approach as well as earning the students respect right off the bat.
I think keeping it professional and fun is a good key. Have a plan and sticking to it can make it easy for everyone involved. The goal is to achieve the course objectives - nothing like a strong focus on day 1 with some fun between the seriousness.
