We are establishing ourselves as the classroom leader. I have taken online courses and I have used the knowledge taught in my course to perform a role. I want my students to understand that I have been in their chair and I have succeeded and I am here to help them succeed. It is extremely valuable and interesting to me to learn about the students. Depending on their background they view the course from their perspective. I like to frame my responses to them or call on them using their background. For example, "Jane, I will bet this concept is very familiar to you since you have been in the IT field for several years, but did you know...."
I have had good luck doing this. Just like you said, the students know you are teaching from experience. I bring some special tooling and pictures to show the students about my experience. Most students show a lot of interest and ask a lot of questions.
Students understand you better, and realize you are qualified and therefore respect you as an instructor. I think a class that knows a little about one another has a better chance of having that cooperative learning style, and a more caring attitude about learning. When they realize I actually do care about their learning they are more apt to be engaged.
Hi Carla,
This approach give a human touch to the class and helps to get the students settled in. You are also starting the process of developing rapport with them by relating your own background in relation to what they bring to the classroom.
Gary
When I introduce myself, I'm trying to answer the question "why should I listen to this person about this course topic?" I also try to remind the students that I was once in their seat and I still remember what it felt like. When asking students to introduce themselves, I typically ask them to share their experience with the subject or something unique about themselves. By doing this I'm trying to accomplis several things: learning student names, understanding individual backgrounds, and hopefully other students will be begin to get to know each other and see some commonality between themselves and the other students.
It lets your students get to know you a little bit and it gives you an overview of your students, why they are taking your course and how better to teach them.
I agree with the two way communication. I also look for similarities between students and mention that "you two have very similar backgrounds and have evolved to this school for this line of study". I believe this helps bring students together and make them feel like they are with like minded people in their class.
When the instructor delivers a thoughtful, pertinent, well-prepared introduction of herself, students are willing to give the instructor authority and students begin to believe they will learn important information in the course. When the instructor facilitates a pertinent introduction of the students to one another, the group settles into a comfortable learning environment.
I teach adult ed. classes, and as part of my introduction I tell my students that I myself began training for a new career later in life (age 35). When I speak of my background to the older students, it lets them know that I truly understand their concerns (fears) regarding returning to school after so many years. Then, as we go around the class with student introductions, the older students seem more willing to share their concerns with others.
I like to tell the students my history in the culinary field, my goals and somethings fun about myselfs and have them do the same. I think it makes them feel more relaxed on the first day.
Hi Kemlyn,
Good strategy in terms of getting the students comfortable with each other. This way they can share the different aspects of the course and feel welcome in doing it. This really helps to get them settled into the course.
Gary
Through introductions one is making connections with other fellow students and through those connections assistance and friendships can grow. All students may miss something or be confused about something in the course and fellow students can help clarify or supply the needed info the student missed. Even though as intructors we try to keep everyone informed, it does not always happen and having every one comfortable with each other allows for open communication.
Hi Amy,
This is where the development of respect and rapport starts. Once you have created a connection with them you are able to influence them in relation to their effort in the course and how their effort will impact their future career options.
Gary
I am giving them confidence in my ability to supervise their attainment of the material. When they are introducing themselves to me (and each other) I am gaining insight into their personalities and allowing them to gain familiarity with one another. This will help us all as we progress through the course content together.
Hi Ellory,
Good way to get the class off to an exciting start. You are showing them that you care about your field and their success in the field. This attitude sets the tone for the entire course.
Gary
Through introductions I hope to convey a sense of enthusiasm and energy that motivates the students to want to come to my class. My attitude is crucial to "selling" the class to my students on the first night. If I am boring, well, I pretty much have lost the students for the rest of the quarter. However, if I am excited about the material to be covered, I have hopefully sparked the students' interest in the course.
By having the students introduce themselves, I have a chance to learn about them and allow them time to relax before class starts. It also illustrates to the students that I care about them as a person, not just a student in my class.
I believe you are opening a more open and honest dialect with the students. You allow the student to become more comfortable with you as an instructor, and increase their confidence in the fact that you may actually know something about the course content. It also alows them to know what it is you expect from them. You, as an instructor also become comfortable with your students. Knowing what it is they may expect from the class will help you with your delivery of the material.
Hi Lisa,
Sounds like it can be a lot of fun for the students as well as a real ice breaker. This activity helps to set the tone for the class and get students settled into the flow.
Gary
I think it gives them a sense of security to know that you are human and have taken steps to further your education to get where you are today.
I have the students sit in the "hot seat" on the first day and all the other students can ask them one question pertaining to their life. They have the option of not answering if uncomfortable but for the most part they all have fun and get to know one another.
Hi Jane,
I agree that they really help to get students settled into the course and talking with each other. This is a good point to make for new instructors so they will know that by using ice breakers they get their classes off to good starts.
Gary
