First Class Meeting
The first class meeting can be the most important for both the student and teacher. It is the time when you can learn a lot about your students and they can learn a lot about you and what is to come. Be organized, clear and concise and approachable. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make the most of it.
Paul,
Thank you for sharing your class openers with us. Your opening along with the activity is a great way to get to know students, their names and how to pronounce them. The facts sharing and then the "quiz" has to be a lot of fun and get the students settled into the class. I find that many of my students are not that strong in written expression and your Brain Booster exercise is a great way to get them to thinking about how to share their thoughts in an organized way.
I know these ideas will be valuable to other instructors, especially those that are just beginning to teach. They need all the exposure they can get to strategies and techniques that they can use in their classes. For veteran teachers it is always great to add another way of engaging students to their tool box of instructional strategies.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do use icebreakers.
I use a short PowerPoint introducing myself, then I ask the students to introduce themselves.
One benefit of that is I learn how they pronounce their names, and what they prefer to be called.
I also ask them to tell a fact about themselves...sometimes a hobby or what program they are in...that varies.
Depending on the size of the class sometimes I give a "quiz" to see who can remember the most facts about their class mates.
One thing I do every class is a Brain Booster. This is a short (10 minute) freewrite based on a prompt. Sometimes a picture, often times a quote from someone in history. I try to tie the subject matter to that days lesson when I can.
Paul,
Do you do introductions and ice breakers to get your students settled in to the class? I really enjoy the first class meeting because we get to know each other and then through ice breakers share laughs and have some fun. This forms the foundation upon which future class sessions is built. If you do do introductions and ice breakers what ones do you use? I know instructors are always looking for additional opening class strategies they can use so your input on this is welcomed. Thanks.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is true.
And there is no "one best way" to do this for any class. You have to adapt for every class you teach.
