There are several icebreakers such as these that help to bridge the gap not only between the generations of students but also differences in so many goal paths and gives them a common ground to build team work on. I have separated mine into different icebreaker groups using whether or not they squeeze the toothpaste tube from the bottom or the center. It is rather corny but has worked.
Knowing your course material and engaging students in the real world reasoning as to why the course material applies to their chosen field can help to generate activities for the classroom that get the students excited about course content.
I always use ice breaker exercises. This is followed by student introductions and what each student hopes to gain from the class. These strategies help students to learn they are not alone and that others share similar circumstances. It also allows them the first of many opportunities to speak in front of their class. This really helps in they have a fear of public speaking.
Hi Anthony,
I love your perspective! I can tell you want to be the best possible. You are the type of instructor I would love to help mold. Being a 25-year veteran, I always try to look for more improvement for myself. We can always get better. I love your humble attitude!!!
Patricia Scales
Hi Jodi,
We have to help our students keep their eyes on the prize...look to the future!
Patricia Scales
Hi Donna,
Competition in this sense is a great thing! Students try harder, therefore they will be better prepared for the test.
Patricia Scales
Hi Haoua,
I concur! Excitement certainly begins with the instructor! As instructors we should be enthusiastic about teaching various courses. Students need to see our excitement so that they can hopefully become excited!
Patricia Scales
Hi Robyn,
I have my students interview each other and present each other utilizing the 60-second interview.
Patricia Scales
Hi Rebecca,
Students really get excited once they understand how useful learning the course is as it pertains to their career.
Patricia Scales
I would ask the students what their future plans are and how the content relates to that.
Hi, Patricia.
When reviewing for examinations, I would separate the class into two groups with a designated group leader. Each group was given a question and points were given for correct answers. The class enjoyed the competition.
Hi, John.
I agree, and I think corny icebreakers are very successful. One of my college instructors separated the class based on whether they preferred their toilet paper positioned "over or under." This was one of the most successful icebreakers that I can recall.
Hi, Alice.
I share my life experiences with my students to help them "see" the benefits of education.
I also challenge the students to find unique articles on the Internet to share with the class, and the class really seems to enjoy this.
One of my students shared a very personal and tragic experience with the class. Up to this point in class, this student had been very quiet and reserved in class. After sharing this with the class, she became more vocal and participatory in class.
Depending on the subject or course being taught, the following methods may help to get students excited about course content:
- Explain the benefit of the course
- Create a comfort zone
- Relate the course to past and future courses,also to others subjects
- Prepare the students mentally by letting them know the expectations, requirements and the level of difficulty of the course in advance.
- Instructor has to be excited and knowledgeable.
I enjoy using the jepordy game as a review before finals, I bring whistles or horns for the students to use as buzzers. My students have enjoyed this so much that they always ask if they'll get to play jepordy at the beginning of each course.
I have played the airplane game as an ice breaker with my classes before, but I like to take it a step farther and have them write a 60 second self interview on the paper before. This gives the groups more info about each other and ways to relate with their fellow classmates.
I use "Icebreaker" games on the first day of each new class. Moreover, I highlight each of the learning objectives of the course and provide examples on how learning the new material will become valuable for their chosen fields.
I like to try and sit in on the lectures of successful teachers, and observe. What tools are used to communicate course content? What is the instructor’s body language like? Voice? Classroom layout? How does s/he interact with, engage, and get feedback from students during the class? While teaching may come more naturally to some instructors more so than it does to you, you can still note and try to adopt some of their techniques. I have to constantly remember that teaching is a skill, and that learning to teach must be an ongoing process. We all have to start somewhere, and we all can get better. Be honest with yourself about your current abilities, and do your best to improve areas of weakness. Get feedback from your students, your peers and your mentors, and be open to making some changes to your approach. It will make the teaching experience more enjoyable and successful for you AND your students.
Hi Diana,
You have to make the students understand how they are going to benefit from the course, and once they understand the benefit of the course, they usually get excited.
Patricia Scales
Hi Daniel,
Dollars always motivate students. The potential income is a way to spark interest.
Patricia Scales
