Donna,
This helps to create a supportive and comfortable setting for learning. I always enjoy class introductions and ice breakers because everyone has a good time plus we learn so much about each other.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Not only do you learn who your students are, you learn a bit about them, and this can open things up to a group discussion if a student has something interesting to say. Also, it helps the students feel at ease and they learn about each other.
David,
I wish you much teaching success and many rewards from the impact you are going to have on the lives of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Robert,
This is a good way to establish yourself as the learning leader while learning about the life experiences your students are bringing into the class this session. A good way to start off a new class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am starting my new teaching career and think I will use this on my first day of class! Thanks
You are establishing your initial connection to your students on a professional and human level. It is a great opportunity to share common interest and to get to know eachother. In my introduction to my students I shared all my passed work experiences kind of like a resume. I felt the respect they had for me after seeing all I have been through to get to where I am.
Introductions help establish a relationship between yourself and your students, going back to the principle of having a comfortable and safe learning environment. You will be a better educator if you read between the lines so to speak when students introduce themselves. You will learn a lot about a student if you pay close attention.
The main thing you are accomplishing through introductions of yourself and the students is braaking the ice. As the instructor, giving background information gives the students a chance to know a little about you and feel more comfortable introducing themselves. It also gives everyone a chance to learn names.
Students will become aware of the instructor's experiences. Also, the instructor becomes aware of the knowledge level of the students.
For me it will be learning what a students background is and their expectations of the course. Because I've had a hand at developing the entire certification program - I'll also be interested how student intend to use their new knowledge in the workplace.
Darcie,
I use ice breakers as well for the reason you stated. They are fun we share a laugh and get settled into the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I try to make the first class fun by playing an ice breaker game. This way we all learn about each other in a fun way.
Introductions are helpful when building a relationship with the students. It also allow the students to get to know the instructor and the instructor get to know the students. Introductions lighten the mood of the classroom and allow the students to get to know each other.
Students take a different view of classroom learning when a bond has been created by a "getting to know you" session. I want my students to feel comfortable with me as an instuctor and a person. This will make it easier for them to answer questions and make comments during lecture and lab. There is the need to make myself accessible to my students.
Introductions set a compassionate tone for the class by indicating that the instructor is genuinely concerned with building a rapport and is focused on student success. As I teach one of the first classes in a series, having the students introduce themselves also helps them to get to know each other and begin building a peer support network. I find it is well worth the time at the beginning of a new class/term.
Introductions give everyone a chance to know each other. It breaks the ice and helps people begin to connect in a comfortable learning environment. It is good for the students to learn about the instructor's experience in the industry so that they can see the realistic ways that they will be able to move in the industry as well.
As the instructor learns about the students, he/she can help to focus the lessons to the learners in the room and keep a nice rapport by remembering the details of each student, espeically their name and anything they shared personally about their interests.
Kathy
Bola,
Knowing more about your students is a good way to develop rapport with them. I like your approach to learning this information.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach human growth and development course. During the instructor and student introduction, I tell the students about my background and family and I encourage the students to share about their educational background and family. Most of them have been very willing to share this information with the class (work, marriage and children). This information becomes useful as I discuss stages in life span and if it is okay with the student, I am able to use these as class examples and the students relates to this because it is something that relates to what they are currently experiencing.
Paula,
A simple thing that pays big dividends in terms of rapport with students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Knowing how to pronounce learners' names correctly is a sign of respect.
