Beth,
I like this idea. Sounds like a lot of fun, is relaxing for students but yet yields a lot of information you to use as you work with each individual student during the class session.
Gary
After student introductions I have a good idea of what their goals are for enrolling in a particular program (begin own business, change career, parent is making them!). I also ask students to tell me one thing about their "out of school life" (family, children, pets, etc) which gives me an even better picture of possible struggles (single parent) or motivation for learning. Sometimes I make up silly games in order to help them with introductions. For example. I print out "headings" on large paper and hang them around the room. If the "heading" pertains to the student then he/she can stand under it. This often creates a fun environment with in the first few minutes. Some of my headings may be "I have children. I didn't eat dinner yet. I think I know something about this topic. I have had this instructor before. I know something about this instructor that you may not know." Sometimes silliness is a great ice breaker!
-Beth
Jessica,
This is a good way to exchange information while getting the students settled into the course. In addition, just as you mention you get to know a little about each other on the human level.
Gary
By doing introductions you are giving the students a little information about yourself and your expertise in the field that you are intructing. You are also learning a little about each student, getting to know their names and having something to associate with them. It is one way of learning names.
When doing introductions you will be able to fall back on a students past experiences or even notice if someone my need a little more help in the course. This also helps you become accuanted with the students names.
Coleen,
Mine to. I am always a bit nervous as I get ready to meet a new class. I always wonder what this group of students will be like and what I will have to do to reach them. Then I go to class and we all have a great evening together with ice breakers, introductions and review of the course expectations.
I start two new course tomorrow night so I am really excited as I plan this evening.
Gary
The first class is one of my favorites. It is where we set up rapport with each other, and the information we learn about each student is beneficial later in class. As a business instructor it is good to learn what experience each student is bringing to the course, because it can be used in class discussions.
I like to have the students tell me something interesting about themselves. It gives the class a chance to hear unique stories of each other. And sometimes can generate nicknames, as well as help you remember their names.
Malcolm,
I like the way you challenge the students to push themselves and strive for quality in their learning. This sets the bar high for them and gives them ideas of how to surpass the bar.
Gary
Introductions of students gives me feed back on their background and lets me get a feel of what kind of skills they will bring to the classroom. When I introduce myself and my background it helps the students get a feel of who I am and what I am able to demonstrate to help them achieve their goals.
We are opening up communication and finding commonalities as human beings with goals, expectations, and dreams. The professionalism of an instructor must always be maintained, but I disagree with some and think sharing some of your personal story can serve as motivation for some students, just as their sharing their story tells us something about them.
William:
I like your comment. I would add on to it by saying that I worked full time 40 hours a week, worked part time 30 hours a week and only had time for homework on Saturday mornings. Every other minute I was sleeping. I had to reach my goals.
It is interesting that this course just covered Introduction of the Instructor and the students. Because this my first semester teaching and that is exactly what I did. But I included some extra items. I had them state what program they were in, where they were from, and their five year goal. It was nice to hear that they really have goals to reach. Some higher than others. So I informed them to all reach higher than they want to be, that way they can reach their goal earlier than expected. And to continue to change their goal as they reach it.
I teach evening classes to learners with full time jobs. They are apprehensive concerning their ability to do well on the course. I explain a bit of my history and how I went to night classes, worked full time and maintained my personal life. I succeeded and I believe in the strengths of each of them to be able to meet their goals.
Nicole,
This is always a fun game to play and it gets the students involved with others quickly. It really sets the stage for an enjoyable course to come.
Gary
I start out with a game of 2 truths and a lie. We then have to guess which one is a lie. It lightens up the class and give a human side for all individuals. I start the game with myself. They are interested in learning a small bit of each student and instructor.
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for sharing this strategy and story with us. I am sure you had some exciting discussion after this student shared his story.
Gary
This is an interesting approach! I usually have the students say one thing that they could teach us all to do. It has made for some incredibly interesting discussions. Last year, I had a student who said, "I could teach you all how to survive in freezing cold temperatures for two days." The previous winter, he had been cross-country skiing when he got lost and a storm hit. It was fascinating. I told him that after that experience, graduate school would be a breeze!
I like Ray's appproach, too, but my classes are small (22). I would be willing to try it this year, though. Sounds like fun!
The first day introduction activities can help an instructor spot potential problems that a student may have, such as language barriers, difficulty organising thoughts, reading or writing insufficiency, or inappropriate placement in your class.
I'm informing them of my qualifications and experience as a professional in the industry that they're studying to work in. It validates their questions over whether or not the person standing in the front of the classroom has the skills needed to be there in the first place.
