My introductions first establish crediblity to me as an instructor and establish the first rapport building opprotunity. I then ask students to give me their backgrounds and what their expectations of the course are. This way I can find out if their expectations meet the requirements of the class. I also ask for some level of their current experience and the topic site and gauge the class as a whole and modify my course as needed.
I am accomplishing a sense of comfort. In addition, students appreciate an instructor who has expertise in the field in which they are studying. Introduction of students helps "break the ice" and allows the instructor to get a sense of who the students are and what their personal goals are. In addition, knowing the students helps create a bond along the way.
Everyone learn for the first impression and make the choice to continue in contact with the person or group. Introductions open the door to new opportunities and ways to learn from somebody else other prespectives of how to gain knowledge and experience in the field.
Hi Jill,
With the more senior students where you already know them I would have them share their career goals, etc. They are getting to the point in their education that they need to be able to vocalize them and this is a good place to practice talking about where they see themselves in five years.
Gary
In classes where I don't know any of the students I always give them my career background and volunteer work or hobbies that relate to my career. I find this helps them see all of their possibilites and look at me as someone with a lot of experience in the industry. Classes that I teach where I know all of the students I skip my introductions and usually go right for the syllabus. Is this the best idea? Is there something I could do as an introduction with these more seinor studnets?
Hi K,
You make a number of very good points about first impressions and how to set the students up for success from the very first day. The use of examples helps the students to see the application of their newly acquired knowledge and this bridges the gap between school and work.
Gary
First impression is important not just in teaching, but also in any situation we’re in. In this case, a simple introduction and a greeting help to send the message that I am excited about having them in my class. Also by knowing my students individually gives the impression of my acknowledgement of their existence, not just my students but human beings in general. Simple introduction gives a sense of value and mutual respect for both parties.
Good or impressive first impression will help my students to see how they are going to fit in the class and what they have to do to succeed in the class. It sets vibe & emotionally connection between the two. In reality, I always make sure to relate my course content to the overall objectives of the educational program and discuss the importance of the course content as it relates to their future career. I use a lot of examples of myself as well as others who have had the same experience of success in this field. No doubt that by setting reasonable expectations based upon business and industry standards coordinated with activities that engage the students in the learning process in the subject I teach. More importantly, Good impression & connection gives them a picture at the beginning of the course of how they can create a future for themselves and how I am here to l help them with motivation they need.
K. Boodparset
Hi Bryan,
I am like you concerning introductions. I am always excited and amazed at the introductions by the students. I get such diversity in my class and they have such interests stories about their lives. This is always an enjoyable time for the class and it gives me a good picture of the composition of the class.
Gary
You are giving an important first impression and making yourself credible with your introduction. By having the students introduce themselves, you can get information about where they are coming from, you are learning their names and lightening up the energy in the room.
I actually enjoy the first introductions being a person that is genuinely interested in other people and their backgrounds. Knowing something outside the field they are learning and I am instructing could possibly even help me imagine what methods might work well in trying to convey a certain part of their education in a more receptive way.
A sense of communication and respect. By not only introducting yourself but asking about them and who and why they are there, gives me the opportunity to show respect for my adult learners.
Bu introducing my self to the students and allwoing them to intoduce themselves to each other, it serves as an ice breaker so that we are not strangers to each other. It also gives all a chance to learn a little bit about each other
I intend to introduce myself and give a little of my background and experience, just enough so students feel confident in my ability to guide them through the course. I will also include my contact info and office hrs. Then I will have each student fill out a slip of paper with their name, contact info, birthday, reason for choosing this career, what they expect to do after graduation, and space to add anything else they want me to know. I will be clear that they should not write down anything they don't wish to share with the class. When they are done writing, I will have them exchange papers and introduce a fellow student. They must ask an additional question to include in their intro. It can be anything from what's your favorite color to what would you do with a million dollars. When the focus is on the student who is being introduced and not on the speaker, I think it will be easier for them and they will start to get to know one another better. Then I will collect the papers as a resource to help me learn about my students. -Jeanne
Enouragement for the students. They need to hear what can be accomplished in their field.
I'll be teaching my second class this quarter. The first class I didn't have everyone introduce themselves because I never liked doing that as a student. I did have them fill out a 3x5 card for my benefit. I will definitely do the introductions this time along with the 3x5 card.
Hi Heather,
It is important to bring the human factor into the class setting and you are doing that with your introduction approach. This will help you in developing rapport with students as well as earning their respect.
Gary
When introducing myself to a new class I give both my professional background and some personal information as well. My professional information shows my students that I am experienced and qualified to be their instructor in the first place. By giving some personal background it shows them I am a person as well as just an instrcutor, with a family, hobbies, etc. I think it helps them connect with me on two levels- someone that is an expert in the field and who will provide them with the education they need and someone who is a regular person that they may have something in common with and who understands the demands of family, etc.
The introductions are the first active step of creating a positive learning community. It helps the students feel comfortable with the instructor and with one another. Often I teach classes where the majority of students already know one another, but it seems as if I always have a small handful who don't know their classmates. The introductions help the lesser known students feel part of the community and feel welcome. The introductions also sends the message that I want the students to participate during class.
Hi Ledio,
I like to do this type of baseline assessment as well when starting a new class. The results give me a picture of the students I have and the knowledge base they are bringing to the classroom. Really helps with my planning.
Gary
Hi Clare,
Good point about the need for them to develop the skills needed to work with others. Career success is based upon the ability to work with diverse groups and accomplish goals. If they have these skills they are going to enjoy career growth.
Gary
