Meeting for the first time
Students in the music business class, though perfect strangers have a common love and passion for pursuing a career in music. It is helpful for them to get to learn about each others experience, objectives, insights and aspirations in the music industry. They are not only making a potential professional and personal connection they are learning and clarifying whatb their place in the industry may be as well. As a teacher it is imperative that I get to know their individual goals as well. This serves as a friendly informal ice breaker.
Hi Joseph,
Looking forward to hearing about your results.
Thanks.
Gary
I teach lab classes and making the students comfortable with equipment is important. I do this by letting them use the microscope in the first class.
Paring the older students with the younger ones crossed my mind before posting. I think that the older students, being out in the work place prior or still, will help me educate the younger students to the importance of punctuality, team work, and professionalism. We shall see how it goes and I will keep you informed.
Hi Joseph,
Do some ice breakers with your students where you participate. This really helps to build rapport with students. Also, make yourself approachable. Help the students to feel comfortable coming and talking with you. Be in the classroom/lab early so as students drift in you can chat with each one for a few minutes. Make sure to speak to every student every day. Doesn't have to be long, just a few seconds but this way they know you are there for them.
As for splitting into groups. I assign my students to groups for case studies, projects and games. I mix the students so they have exposure to different members of the class. It prevents them from just sitting and working with their friends. This can, as you know cause class management problems if the groups get out of control. Some days I don't put them into groups so they can sit where they want and they do. They like this as I am respecting them and letting them make choices in the classroom. I want to make sure they know I respect them as adults with life experiences but I am also charged with being the instructional leader and I am going to maintain control of the learning environment.
Gary
Hi,
Being a first time instructor, how can I build a strong class bond not only between my students and I, but also between the students in the class? What can I do to keep a class from splitting into groups even though they all have the same interests and goals?
I teach Information Technology students. Most tend to be shy and very quiet. I usually start the first day with a short introduction about myself and where I work. I remind them that I was once a student just like them. It is very important to connect with them.
Hi Shawn,
Some of my best discussion sessions have started with the "why" question. This is a good point to share with other instructors that are just starting out. With a focused discussion students get their questions answered and new knowledge added to their content base.
Gary
Hi Shawn,
Some of my best discussion sessions have started with the "why" question. This is a good point to share with other instructors that are just starting out. With a focused discussion students get their questions answered and new knowledge added to their content base.
Gary
I think this is true for any major. Especially core classes. It is always helpful to take a few moments and get introductions and find out a little about each student and have them have some group discussion about what brought them into the classroom and onto the path of a new career.
For game design I always ask about favorite games and 'why'. The dreaded 'why' question always opens up discussion even if students have to be taught how to answer it properly.
