I liked the information that the instructor needs to be prepared to make introductions and to address the students by their name. I think this is very informative and helpful. introducing one self will allow the chance for the students to get to know the instructor a little.
Through an introduction, I am sharing with the students my professional background and the path that I have taken to reach my career goals. It also creates credibility. I would imagine that students want to know if we are capable of teaching a class. Do we REALLY know the information. I do share personal interests and pet information. This shows the students I am human, just like them.
I get a better understanding of their background. This allows me to adjust my course so that I don't leave any students behind. The students learn my background and it provides me additional credibility in the students' eyes.
I believe that instructor and student introductions are very important. For students, it allows them the chance to get to know one another. I hate teaching a class for a few weeks and asking a student to give something to Mary and the student reply "Who's Mary". I want my class to get to know each other as well as get to know me.
It is important for instructors to introduce themselves in order to give their background and experience as well as let the students know that they are also human.
Instroductions between students and instructor helps to establish rapport between the instructor and the students. It also create a welcoming environment for new learning because the students will feel at ease and help ease up anxiety they feel. Same way with the instructor, they will feel more confident in delivering the lesson plan.
If learning is truly a two-way street and communication involves a sender and receiver then it stands to reason that sharing introductions helps create a bond with your class. I tend to share about being a kid and getting in trouble, how I got out of trouble by doing well in school and by having a diverse group of friends. By sharing this information it allows the students to look past the initial impression of me as a teacher and consider me in a larger position within the classroom.
On the other hand by learning about the students I consider ideas that may not have come to me on my own. I am allowed to employ critical thinking skills that assist me in my comprehension of the students needs and wants.
Knowing about your student, developing a first impresion and trust between instructor and student.
A comfortable atmosphere. The classroom should be a safe place for learning. It establishes a bond. The students get to see who you are. If you talk abou the experiences you have been through it also makes you a person. Listening to the students individually makes them feel you are listening.Peg Rapai
Hi Jennifer,
You are so right about the need for students to be made to feel welcome and comfortable in the class. Through introductions and ice breakers this can be accomplished. You want them to leave the first class excited about what they are going to learn in the coming weeks.
Gary
I think the most important thing, in introductions, is to make the students comfortable with the instructor and with each other. Places to explain your qualifications and the class's objectives and parameters are in other places on the first day of class. Introductions are to reassure students that they can expect a positive experience in the class.
Hi Lyana,
Good point and so critical to getting the start of respect and rapport going. They start to see you both as an instructor and a human being.
Gary
You are personalizing yourself to your students...you are no longer a scary instructor who is a stranger. You become a human being with an interesting background and important information to share.
My first day of class I discuss a criminal investigation case that I have worked on. This gives students an insight to my background and helps builds interests in the topic under study.
Dr. Godwin
With introduction, I am breaking the ice and letting them know me and getting to know them. This formality also gives me a glimpse into the personal and career backgrounds of my students which can prove useful later on. ~ Sandra
Hi Robert,
You make a good point about getting to know something about the students as you start a new course. The more you know about them the more you can focus your instructional delivery to meet their needs and customize their learning experiences.
Gary
Through introductions, I am able to meet my students on a more personal level. During my first class, rather than jumping right into the class, I went around the room and had each student introduce themself. During their introduction they had to answer 5 questions: What their name is, if they have a perferred nick-name, how much longer they had left in school, they field they were interested in working in, and what their favorite candy is. By asking these questions I'll find out: Who they are, what interests them, and if they are really are human. I like to teach at a more personal level getting to know the students and adapting to their learning style.
For me the introduction allows the students to see my background is not just in education, but because of my public practice I should have examples of how the items learned can be applied.
From the students, it gives me a look into where they are from (since we are in a military town); backgrounds of growing up. It also gives me the insight of why the student is taking the class. Do they really want to learn accounting or is it to check off a box in their required courses?
Hi Christal,
This will help get the course off to a good start because you will have a picture of the class diversity and dynamics. From this information you can customize each class session as needed. Good job.
Gary
You are allowing your students to get to know you and are fostering their comfort level with your professional knowledge. You are also allowing them to get to know each other. Students will gravitate towards classmates that have the same major or background. Networking helps to foster student success.
Lori
Through introductions, I hope to give them an understanding of what qualifies me to be their instructor and why I have a passion for the subject matter. From their introductions I hope to find out why they are here and what they want out of this class beside a grade.
