Introductions to be made in the first class.
It is important to introdce yourself in a way that gains the students interest as well as gives them an idea of who you are. This includes attempting to gain their intrest and respect form the beginning.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS FROM INSTRUCTOR TO STUDENT OR STUDENT TO INSTRUCTOR IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. A SENSE OF BECOMING COMFORTABLE IN THE CLASS.
Hi Susan,
Good point and I want to really underline it. The students don't need to have announced to them that their instructor is new and has never taught before. New instructors need to plan well and approach the classroom with confidence and the rest will come together as the course progresses.
Gary
I agree, although I would go one step further to remind them that you were once in their shoes. It will allow them to envision where they could go in the future. I also find that instructors tend to be a little too honest with their introductions which can backfire easily. Announcing off the bat that this is your first class is NOT a good was to pique interest in you.
Hi Alan,
Welcome to the profession. Based upon your forum comments you are on the right path for reaching your students. Keep up your efforts to motivate and development excitement within your students.
Gary
I am a first time instructor, and did the exact same thing. Basically I asked about their motivation for coming to the school, where they were from, what they wanted to do with their education when finished, etc.
Hi Andrea,
By using the opening that you are you are doing a great job of helping the students get settled into the class while developing an understanding of how the course is going to be conducted. The sharing of the personal backgrounds really helps with the development of rapport.
Gary
As I introduce myself on the first day of class, I give the students a brief professional background about myself and ask them to do the same.
This has really changed the rate of student sucess on the first day of class. The students are more relaxed and engaged when they realize that I remember what it is like to be a student and I enjoy hearing why they are in the program.
The students also bond much quicker.
