Hi James,
I like the amusing story and something humorous about oneself. It is important to create such a connection and your approach allows that to happen.
Gary
Hi Aimee,
Thanks for your comments about how to start off a class with ice breakers and introductions. You are right it is always fun to watch them start to interact and get to know each other. Then it is a matter of building on the introductions to create a positive and forward thinking learning community within the class.
Gary
I agree that introductions can be critical. I like to have the students place name placards on their desks. It helps me to learn their names quickly. I find that using a student's name , particularly in the beginning, sets a personal tone for the teacher-student dynamic.
I agree, James. I have found that students feel more at ease when we show them our human qualities. In addition, everyone likes to laugh, right?
Aimee
I like your approach. Additionally, I like to relate something funny about myself that helps to create a
sense that I am human.
Introducing yourself establishes you as the classroom leader. Student introductions allow the students to participate and learn who they are in the class with. Additionally, introductions act as an "ice-breaker" which helps to create a relaxed and cordial, yet professional, environment.
Introductions are great for breaking the ice and creating a more relaxed atmosphere. I ask the students to introduce each other after taking a few minutes to get to know each other. I invite them to share something unusual or interesting about themselves. It is always fun to feel the tension ease as the students begin to laugh and chat together. It's also nice to see how quickly they make connections.
Hi Joseph,
I agree with you about the need for a more soft and personal introduction by the instructor. The human side of the instructor needs to be highlighted along with the professional experience. This way the students can start building a connection with the instructor from the very first class.
Gary
An introduction by the Instructor helps the students evaluate and to become familiar with the person who is teaching their class. I have found that a neutral introduction with some personal information allows the class to feel a little more personal with their instructor. Where a forceful or straight to business introduction, leaves the class feeling distant form the instructor which could hurt the learning experience for the students. Allowing for student introductions helps not only the instructor to get to know their students, but also allows the students to get to know one another.
If not for anything else this is a great way to put a face to the names on the first day. I like to take notes as the students talk about themselves and usually by the second day I've remembered all of their names.
Hi Shawn,
Good attitude about how to keep progressing in your professional growth as an educator. This is how we all continue our development as instructional delivery experts.
Gary
Breaking the ice is always a good thing to get students unnerved and ready to take the course with the courage to realize that the instructor is human and is open to questions, regardless of the course or major. I have learned a great deal about other subjects from other adult learners and realize that while I am an authority in my own class, that I can and will learn from my students as well and can form a mutual respect when it comes to the classroom and expectations.
Hi Timothy,
I know this strategy will be successful for you next time you teach a class. You might want to add a ice breaker along with the introductions to help your students get settled into the class.
Gary
Hi Andrew,
Good way to create rapport with your students. This connection is so important so the students can see how a professional in their field conducts himself.
Gary
This is a new train of thought. I should have had the students introduce themselves and relay what they expected from the class.
you are creating a level of personal connection by shareing aspects of yourself and career. i try not to talk to much about what i have done, but still inform them and relate to them on a personal level.
Introductions give the students a chance to learn a little about me. It makes me seem more human. Introductions from my students let me know something about them. Usually it gives me a since of how much they are going to participate in class room discussions. It also helps me to learn their names. Students want to know that you care enough to learn their names.
Hi Elizabeth,
This is so true. Also, what would be the fun of teaching if we don't enjoy our students and the rapport we have with them?
Gary
It is a start of a relationship and connection. Teaching is not meaningful if there is no communication.
Having an understanding regarding where people work and what they are interested in makes it easier to form diverse teams with skills that complement each other. I also find that I can more effectively guide discussions when I have some initial information about the students. I find this to be a somewhat traditional but effective ice breaker.
