Brenda,
This is such an important part of starting a new class. Time spent on introductions and ice breakers is very valuable in setting the tone for the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find, when a new cohort of students start my program, they are very nervous about what they are facing. When I have my studnents take time to introduce themselves, and share 3 or 4 points, they start to bond as a cohort. It lets me know what their individual background is, and helps me to organize groups for projects, etc. Introducing myself can be the icebreaker for the class, and the style that I use in my introduction sets the tone for the course.
Wendy,
I really enjoy introduction time with my new students. In fact tomorrow I start a new bunch through my courses so I get to enjoy having the students do their introductions and ice breakers. A fun time but very informative for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Introductions provide the students a quick snapshot of who you are and your enthusiasm for what you do. Having the students introduce themselves provides you with a snapshot of who they are and how they interact with people that they may and/or may not know.
Either way, first impressions are important on both ends. Instructors need to set a tone and expectation for the students and students get a little bit more comfortable while letting the instructor in on what to possibly expect in the future'
Hi, Ralph,
Yes, it is important to the students to know something about you, not just that you are the instructor. I tell me students how long I have been teaching, where I went to school, how I got interested in my field. I also tell them some more personal items, such as how I came to be living in Arizona, what hobbies I like. It helps to make you a real person to the students. The are more comfortable knowing something about you, just as it is good for you to know something about your students.
Janet
i like to have all students that are new to my classes introduce themselves and tell me what they already know about the subject matter, and how they feel about the upcoming class. i find most students are excited to learn when it's material they are unfamiliar with, and confident when it's something they already know something about. it's a good ice breaker and lets everyone in the class know a little about each other.
I think that by introducing myself and having the students introduce themselves create a sense of team in the classroom . I feel by introducing myself it gives them insight to who there coash is for the semester and how I plan to help them win and succeced in the mod. The students introducing themselves to each other hleps break down barriers and also gives them another oppritunity to form a support group.
Mary,
This is the human factor in education that helps to set the stage for the upcoming course sessions. I really like introduction time as I start a new course because I get to learn about my students and why they are enrolled in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Introductions help to build rapport between the instructor and the students. The students feel more confident after hearing about the instructor's qualifications, and the instructor learns information about the students that he/she can discuss with them.
Theresa,
This is a great blending of information. Each of your activities helps to get the students settled into the course while giving you information about them and what experiences they are bringing into class. What a great foundation to build on.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is a breaking of the ice exercise. I know as a teacher I like to hear what my students are interested in besides their course. It helps me remember their names. And I remember my teachers explaining their professional path - made me more comfortable as a student
Leslie,
Have fun with the introductions so the students learn more about their classmates as well as their instructor while they are getting settled into the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I had not thought of it being important to my students just as it is for me!! Great point I will keep this in mind.
Thomas,
Good way to get the students settled into your course while sharing with them that they have a learning leader that is experienced and knowledgeable about his field. This is a great foundation upon which to build as you engage the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to show the students the professional expertise I have in the field and through student introductions, my goal is to create a rapport with the students, to make them feel more comfortable and to get to know who is in my class.
Fernanda,
Good opening to a new class. You are getting your students settled in and feeling comfortable while learning about them as they learn about you. This sets a great tone for the upcoming class sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Misty,
Great plan for learning about not only who your students are but also about how they process information. You are learning into their learning preferences via your question about their favorite video game. This gives you a baseline from which to select your instructional content and delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
On the first day of class, I use Student Introductions as an Icebreaker Activity. I often ask the students to "Tell Me about Yourself" as well as other questions such as "Where is your ideal travel destination in the US or abroad?" or "What are your expectations for the class?" After the students have presented themselves, I tell them about me. This activity promotes interaction and a development of rapport among my students and with me.
I am an instructor for the Game Design field so I like introduce myself with my name and my favorite video game. I have the students do this as well. What this accomplishes is two things. One i introduce my self as instructor and human. I create a commonality between me and my students and secondly the type of game they are attracted to give me incite into their learning habits.For example: The student who likes war games, likes faced paced action packed excitement and is often the student who wants instant results and has a hard time sitting still for long periods of time and will need to be constantly engaged in order to get the most out of the class content. The student who prefers puzzle games is typically a thinker and is a student who would prefer more complex learning goals. So with a simple but fun introduction i can get a feel for all of the students' active learning needs.
David,
Making a connection between each student's name and their life experiences helps to establish rapport with them while earning their respect. They see they are valued as a part of the learning community.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
