The First Class & Introductions
This course should be a prerequisite for instructors before teaching their first class. This course described the importance of establishing a good rapport from the onset. I think the techniques explained in the course could be summarized as the: icebreaker, share, reciprocate, direct, and then lead-instruct. The icebreaker is the first step however, and the manner in which the instructor chooses to make his or her introduction will set the tone for the course at least for the first week. I think that an introduction which includes a brief and interesting story which is also a bit humorous (and truthful) ending with a memorable lesson learned, is a great way to break the ice with a new class. Students can gain a sense about your demeanor, bearing and understanding all from a simple story. After that, allowing students to question you a brief while, prior to asking the students to introduce themselves, is a simple plan for breaking the ice between students and the instructor and between the students as well. I shared as story about a surgery at the start of the last course I instructed for surgical technology. Has anyone else applied personal experiences as part of their ice breakers at the start of a course?
Clifton
Linda,
This information is very valuable as you say in terms of understanding their motivation for being in school and some of the challenges they have as they work through their classes. Life has a way of putting challenges in front of students that can derail their efforts but by having a supportive instructor and by working together many of these challenges can be overcome and progress be made.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also think it's important to give some personal data about yourself outside the classroom. And I want to know things about the students as well. It helps me to understand their mindset if I know they, for example, are a single parent with small children at home, or just got laid off and are changing careers.
Teresa,
I am a big fan of ice beakers. I agree with your assessment about how they really engage the students, get them talking and laughing together. It sets the stage for enjoyable classes to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I love to do a ice breaker the first day of class. i usually will research and come up with different ideal that are fun and creative. I think the more group interaction the better
To break the ice I like to give my name and using the first letter of my name give an adjective to describe myself. Then have the students do the same. Making sure the words used are appropriate for the classroom setting.
Stephanie,
I use ice breakers to start every new class for the reasons you state. They are a great way to get everyone engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think an ice breaker is a great way for students to get to know each other better and to get their nerves out of the way. I like when I introduce myself to the students they are interested and want to know more so I have the students do the same in front of the class. This lets everyone get to know each other.
During the first class you should introduce yourself giving some of your background in the field of study. Let the know when you are c=accessible to them. Let them know you are a person as well as an instructor
Melanie,
This is a good ice breaker to use. Thanks for sharing it with us because I know it will be of help to other instructors looking for ice breakers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Clifton,
You have a great way of starting off a new class. You help your students get settled in, get to know you and the other students and then "hook" them with stories from the real world. This sets the stage for future class sessions and they see you as the learning leader that can help them acquire the knowledge and skills needed for career success. Thank you for this great outline for starting a new class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
For an ice breaker everyone has to say their name and something interesting about themselves. The next person has to repeat it and add theirs and so on down the line. It hard on the last person but the repetition helps everyone learn each others name.
