I totally agree with you! I have my students introduce themselves first and I take notes on each one. I like to know their backgrounds and work experiences they have had. I teach Business Management classes. So this adds a lot of value in knowing my students.
Kathy,
This is why I like student introductions as well. I can quickly get a feeling for the composition of my class once we have gone through the introductions. From there on it is a building process of respect and rapport.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Good to know. I am just starting as an instructor, and I do these things with my intro, but never knew how much of an impact it has
I genuinely enjoy hearing how students introduce themselves. I can assess much regarding their level of self-esteem, enthusiasm for the course, and struggles that may affect learning. I find that they listen attentively when I introduce myself... seems to be an area of interest to know the more personal things about their instructor. I always relate to them that they can overcome much (as I did) with hard work and perseverance... this helps me to empathize with them.
Kathy
Ray,
I agree. Introductions can and should be fun, easy going and interactive. This sets the stage for a positive upcoming course that will engage the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lisa,
By them knowing that you were where they are at one time in your life creates a connection that shows them that through hard work and effort they to can be successful in their field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a former student of the institution I now work for, I try to make sure to include that in my introduction. I feel it does two things: it shows the students that I have gone through the same things they are going through and understand their situation, but more importantly it gives them proof that someone was able to go from their position as a student, receiving most of the same material, and be successful. In my classes that fall earlier in the curriculum, I will have students introduce themselves to not only help me remember their name but show me what kind of student I am working with. I will also have them tell the class why they chose to be here and I feel this really helps them develop and realize their own goals.
I believe introductions create an atmosphere of accessibility to the instructor and to the student. Learning is a partnership between the instructor and student so introductions can facilitate a common goal.
I began my career where my students are now so it's a great way to let them know they will achieve their goals with hard work and effort.
Ana,
This is an comfortable and engaging way to get students familiar with each other and you. These introductions will give you a snapshot of the composition of the students you are going to be teaching during the coming session. Great information to have as you plan your instructional delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My accomplishments by conducting introdctions of myself and my students the first day of class: Allows me to learn a thing or two about each one of my students and hopefully put them at ease by indtroducing myself. At that point we are no longer "strangers". Hopefully this will open a two way communication between myself, my students and with each other.
Natalie,
I like class openings as well because it is fun to learn about them and their lives. We do an ice breaker which gets everyone settled into the class and after sharing some laughs during the introductions we have established a positive class climate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is always one of my favorite parts of the course's beginning-and seems to be a favorite of students as well. This is super important in order to set the mood of the course and present myself as an instructor who cares about each student personally.
Kristin,
I like your approach to the first class meeting. You are showing your students respect through the learning of their names early in the early stages of the new class and then building on that from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
For me, introductions on the first day serve equal parts icebreaker (I have students interview one another and then introduce their partners) and memory tool. I used to have such difficulty remembering names, I would still confuse some students half way through the class, which leads to them feeling disrespected inadvertently! Now, while students interview each other, I create a seating chart, and while students introduce one another, I jot down some of the more memorable comments onto said seating chart. Now, I usually remember names and can call on 75% of the class by the end of the first session. Being able to call on students at random is the best way to prevent them from zoning out and not participating!
I let my students introduce themselves and I sit back and listen introductyions can tell a lot about the student once they haver finished I intrduce myself and give as mush info without telling to much I save some things while im teaching or those down times in class.
Debra,
The more you know the better you can plan and this is true as a result of the introductions you have your students do. Good way to start a new class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Carmella,
Plus, for me introductions are a lot of fun. We laugh, do ice breakers, make introductions while we are all getting settled into the routine of the new class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In introduction of myself I am letting the students know that I am human. Giving some personal background will help the student understand me. Having the students give me and the class information about themselves gives me insight to any conflicts that they may have and help me make them more comfortable in class.
Introductions on the first day of class allow your students to begin to feel comfortable with
you and their fellow students. As an instructor, you can begin to understand the individual students. Each class experience is different depending on the group of students involved. Teaching strategies can be modified,if necessary based on this knowledge. The students will know more about you and what is expected.
