I feel when I make my introductions I am letting the students know how I am qualified to be their instructor, and how I have applied my knowledge and skills in the workplace. I also like for them to introduce themselves because it gives me an understanding of their background, and how much or little they are familiar with the current course work.
This is an activity that I enjoy at the beginning of each class. Introductions accomplish many things. It gives students a chance to get to know me and their peers. It breaks the ice and helps some students feel more comfortable in a new environment It also helps me to remember names and shows my students that I care about them.
What is the opinion on how students should address the instructor, sir name or first name? When students address me by my sir name there seems to be a higher level of respect than when instructors are on a first name basis.
Introductions is a great way of "breaking the ice" between the student and the instructor. Especially on the first day of the class both student and the instructor are nervous. When the instructor introduces him/herself he/she is then opening a gate of open channel where the participant of that particular class are welcome in the curriculum. It's also a chance for the students to know the credibility of the instructor and the experience of the subject that's going to be taught. On the other hand the instructor get the chance to know their students and their credibility towards the subject. It also helps the instructor to design the course curriculum according to the class standards.
Deborah,
It is critical to show that the instructor is interested in them as humans as well as students. What are some methods you use to learn the names of your students?
Thanks for you input on this.
Gary
Deborah,
The time taken to do introductions like this are well worth it for the reasons you cite. It helps instructors to put a human side to the students and for them to do the same with their instructor.
Gary
Michael,
You make a good point about respect. Through introductions instructors can establish their experience and knowledge with students and then build from there in creating a productive learning environment.
Gary
By introducing myself and giving a brief background of my knowledge experience and personality I break the ice for the students to get to know me and understand that they can really come to me with questions and problems without me biting their head off or getting angry.
Having the students introduce themselves gives me a chance to see who is going to be shy maybe non-participative and/or those who may be disruptive too. I can gauge the level of communication skill the students have as well as their ability to understand what is said in class.
This can be almost one of the most impoortant parts of the first day of class. When you have a get to know you activity you are presenting the opportunity for you and your students to find things that you have in common. Once this connection is made your students start to see you as a person as well as a professional. This is important because it helps ease tension and lets the students feel more comfortable in approaching you with any questions or concerns that they may have. It also provides the students with the opportunity to get to know their fellow classmates, which can help them develop a support system within the classroom.
it's very important to learn your students names.
I generally will have each student tell me something about themselves: their program, families, likes, and dislikes. Not only do I learn something by doing this but others in the classroom does as well. I like to get a feel of whom I will be teaching to. It also makes them feel more at ease because there are people in the class that they do not know either.
Students learn from instructors introduction-what the instructor experience entails-in the topic of study. The students always respect an instructor who has had extensive experience and has earned a living in their chosen subject area.
Students can also get to know each other and relax a bit by introducing themselves to each other. This should be done with a casual approach so everyone feels comfortable.
My years of teaching and my back ground in the subject matter and what I expect them to get out of the coarse.
My years of teaching. My back ground in the subject matter and what I expect them to get from the coarse.
My teaching experences and my back ground in the subject matter and what I expect them to get from the coarse.
My years of teaching. Back ground in the subject matter. What I expect from them and what I want them to get from the coarse.
In my class introductions, I try to reinforce the idea that although I am an instructor, I am HUMAN; human in the sense that I was once a student, once in the field that they aspire to enter, and the most "real world" experienced person that they have as a resource. I also allow my students to participate in the introductions so I may get an idea of why they are present and how to reach them effectively.
It goes both ways, I learn about the students and they learn about me and their fellow students. I tell them we are creating a circle of knowledge and new friends. It seriously helps them to relax and the anxiety leaves.
Making the student more comfortable with you and your expertise, allowing a way to get familiar with each one.
Initially a sense of calm, safety, comfort, and familiarity on a shallow level are developed. We tend to make those first impression judgements. As students introduce themselves, others can relate to things they have in common and begin to build a bond leaving some of that first impression behind.
In the vocational setting I see this bond and rapport as essential to many of our students' success. It is important for them not only to have a sense of belonging but also support from peers.
