Hi Amy,
What kind of introduction format do you use to get your class started? What kinds of "ice breakers" do your students like best?
Gary
Introductions are important social standards. Gaining an understanding of your students will guide the instructional style utilized.
Amy Branch
I introduce myself and talk a little bit about my professional and personal background, because I want to establish both credibility and rapport in the first class meeting. By discussing my professional background, students find out that I am a credible source and that I have a personal interest in the subject matter that I am teaching. By sharing a little bit about my other hobbies and interests, students get to know me as a person and feel more comfortable with me.
The student introductions are very important to me. As we go around the room and each student tells a little about themselves, I try to comment or ask an additional, personalized question to show that I am making an effort to get to know each individual. I always learn the names of my students within a couple of weeks, and I get so many compliments from the students on this. They say that they really appreciate my effort to know them, because most instructors do not bother to learn their names. I think this contributes to a positive learning environment and positive student outcomes.
-Dawn
By introducing myself, the students will have an idea of who am I in the industry's field, what kind of person I am and what my demeanor as a teacher will be.
As they introduce themselves, I will be able to tell what kind of group they are, and what's the average level of knowledge, allowing me thus to adjust my learning materials according to their skills.
Introductions are also very important as they allow a glimpse on the human factor, beyond the mere teacher-student relationship. Without getting chummy, it's very important to know and address students in an individual, personal manner.
This way the students and instructors will know more about each other and will abe able to be more comfortable with each other.
Hi Gene,
I bet you do. I always look forward to these introductions because it gives me insight into who I have and how I can plan my instructional delivery based upon their life experiences.
Gary
On the first day, I give the students 5 minutes or so to develop an introduction of themselves that includes the number of children in their family and where they grew up, and tell us one of the most challenging incidents that happened in their childhood, and what their major in college is and why and what they want to do with their major: what they want to become. Get some very interesting introductions.
Sarah,
I agree this is valuable information. How do you keep track of the information the students provide in their introductions?
Kurt
James,
This is true. We may not have many opportunities to discover our students so we need to take advantage of those we get. This also raises the question of how much personal followup is required in classes to draw out the more reserved students.
Kurt
When I introduce myself I am establishing credibility as an instructor.
Depending on what is asked for in the introduction, when the students introduce themselves they may find things in common with other students and consequently widen their circle of friends. What the students say as well as how they say it gives me, the instructor, a glimpse into the student—gives me information to help me with instructing the student and the class in general.
Finding out who is in your class other then faces.May be the only time you find out anything about the student especially if they are the quiet ones.
First, I should note (again) that I teach online. Introductions are an important part of every class I teach, and these introductions are even required in my online classes. Students have a series of questions they are expected to answer including some general information but also questions about their expectations and goals for the class. This type of introduction helps me (and their classmates) really get to know each other and also identify areas I can address with the individual students.
Students often express concerns or unrealistic expectations in their introductions that must be managed to make sure they have the best possible experience. I post my own introduction as well so the students will know who their instructor is. Students respond well to this level of personal treatment.
Kurt
Hi Daniel,
This is a great method of creating a baseline on your new students. The questions gets the students talking and interacting while you are gathering knowledge about their characteristics so you can plan from there. Good idea.
Gary
I also do some preliminary introductions along with a bit of professional and educational background. In addition, I have a list of 11 questions that I open class with which are intended to open a casual discussion about the class topic and their own individual backgrounds and interests. This introduces me to the class, introduces the students to me and introduces the students to each other. As they do not always know everyone in the class, this gives them a bit more information about me, the class, and each other. I then use this information to mold my presentations to the class.
Hi Nick,
Instructors can make themselves human through their interaction and rapport with students. As you say a joke here and there and some light moments enhance the relationship between instructors and students.
Gary
Hi Mark,
Thank you for sharing these examples how instructors can develop and refine their listening skills. Good listening as we know also enhances more effective communication because instructors and students. By knowing more information about students through listening instructors are able to more accurately target their comments to support the learning needs of students.
Gary
The students will know of my coursework, and work experiences that I bring to the class. The studnets will be able to establish a better rapoort with me if they understand me and my background better.
By introducing myself to the students it "breaks the ice" so to speak. I try to make eye contact with each and everyone of the students and to give them each a warm and welcoming smile. I think it gives them a sense of feeling acknowleged and importance...that I'm not this "threatening authority figure!!"
One of the biggest rewards of getting to know students is overcoming their initial fear of Professors, whom many believe are supreme and and unapproachable. A joke here and there, especially on oneself, goes a long way toward breaking the ice.
I find that learning student names rapidly is an essential tool. It is tough to do, but I use the introductions as a tool. I take notes on what students say so I have an informational hook to hang a name on.
