Anne,
This is one of my favorite times as well. It is fun to meet and learn about the new students I will be having for the next few weeks. We get to know each other through the introductions while having some fun and getting settled into the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is one of my favorite in the beginning of a new class. Everyone in the room, including instructors learn from eachother when the students and teachers introduce themselves. Not only do we remove the fear of public speaking, we break the ice and everyone is now a little bit more comfortable so that the level of communication is open.
Sounds like we have similar strategies. I like to hear what they expect to get out of the class, how they think it applies to them, and what they plan to do to accomplish their goal grade. I can go back to that as needed throughout the course as well as adjust perceptions, if need be. I also use a seating chart for a cheat seat initially.
Debi,
You are helping your students to get settled into the course while learning a lot about them as well. Sounds like a fun introduction time along with a "reading" when you are seeing how the students are going to fit into the course and how you can reach each one of them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Introductions not only provide information but also provide opportunities for students to receive support for speaking in public. Public speaking is something that most people feel some anxiety about, so it helps to e-a-s-e students into the idea of public speaking (which is required in our course) at the start of the term. As an Instructor, I use the introductions to get to know student names and interests. I can also observe the student's tone, non-verbals and body language in hopes of becoming more aware of their attitudes and unique personality styles (e.g., introvert vs. extrovert).
I am learning about student attitudes, and self esteem, as well as goals and potential problems or pros to each student.
Michael,
This relaxed and informal efforts help to set the stage for the course and this is important as the students get settled into the new class. Also this gives you insight into the composition of the class so you can plan your instructional delivery to meet their needs.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Doing introductions of yourself and students in the beginning of a course helps the students to see who you are as their instructor. It also helps them relate to you, to understand you, and to see where you are coming from. When the students give and receive their introductions this helps them to feel more relaxed talking to the group. It also helps the group to become more cohesive.
As an instructor it helps put the student and myself at ease. It also allows me to learn a little about the students as well as letting them learn a little about me. It help the student to see me as a professional in the field in which I am instructing.
Oscar,
Good point and one that reinforces the value of having a well planned first day of class. Through introductions and ice breakers everyone can get settled into the course and have some comfort with how the course is going to proceed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You can accomplish a lot via your introduction, the student gets to know you and you get to know a little about your students. Most importantly, your students learn about how you will interact with them.
Linda,
So important to establishing a connection to students in a way that encourages their participation and increases their comfort in the class. This sets the stage for a interactive and engaging class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Rapport!
They are finding their speaking voices, knowing it's acceptable to speak out in front of the class with questions or answers.
Know a little about each student, why are they here, do they have a support system, are they serious?
They get to know you: are you serious, are you strict, do you play, are you human or a machine?
I totally agree with Dray. One of my best moments in class in the beginning is the intro session on day one. I feel it always sets up the tone of the class to help them feel comfortable and open with me in any problems that might arise. As a result I also have been approached by many students with what I would consider confidential information but because of this intro session I feel it sets up a platform where they feel good about venting/talking to someone that cares enough about them to listen and provide support when its adequate. In the end, its really about caring, helping, and being humane.
Betina,
I agree. One of the benefits of being a teacher is that I get to work with and learn from students from all walks of life and with all kinds of life experiences. I learn as much from them as they from me.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that you are able to glean valuable information from your students during introductions and vice-versa. Students want to know that the instructor is qualified to teach the course. Further, I enjoy telling and hearing the anecdotal stories of my students during the introductions.
Harpreet,
You make a number of very good points about how to help students to feel a part of the class. In addition, knowing more about students helps with customizing the approach that will work best with the currently enrolled students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Learning about the students, learning about what is important for each student, cracking the differences between the instructor and students and also between the students, so that they know their group. It also helps them to not be fearful of their classmates.sometimes it may be a little scary for the first timers.
Janice,
The more we know about our students and they about us the more common ground we can find in relation to the course content. In addition, knowing more about each other helps to set the stage for the development of respect and rapport.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Introductions are valuable because students learn about you and you learn about the student. Both are invaluable pieces of information. What both parties does with the information is what makes the difference in the learning process.
