Introductions
I always encourage the students to submit a biography and I do the same. I think this establishes a rapport for each of the students in order for them to get to know each other.
At the beginning of the 1st class I have each student given a card and ask them to write one word that would best describe one of their positive attributes and turn the card over. We then have each student introduce themselves and why then chose this field of study. At the end they are asked to share that word and expand.
I always do ice breakers during the first week of class. It is very important that sudents are able to get to know each other and are comfortable. Each students has something different they bring to the table.
I agree the introductions can be a great ice breaker. I begin with sharing my professional background as well as to why I entered this field and began to teach. I ask my students to provide some background as well and why they are entering the field of massage therapy and what their expectations are for this course. It is a great thing for the students to hear about others that they will be sharing so much time with and developing bonds.
Yes. In my Professional Developmement class since learning how to use powerpoint is one of the objectives, I require each student to develop a ten slide presentation highlighting who they are. I call the the presentation "Tools of Me" since I teach trademan (they can identify with tools). I developed a powerpoint myself, in which I present to them. They enjoy this assignment.
I found that if I start off with an introduction of myself and some work history than ask the studentds to give their name and a brief explanation as to why they decideded to come to this school breaks the ice and everyone gets to know each other.
On Day 1, All of the instructors have the students introduce themselves to each other and they use different activities that would make the sudents get to know each other.This breaks the ice and helps them get rid of their day one jitters.
I also introduce myself, little background about my experience in the industry, go around the room ask the students to introduce themselves, what type of job background they are coming from, if they are working in the industry and why they have come to the college.
I have heard of instructors creating a slideshow about themselves and using that. That is something that I would like to take some time and try out.
I generally engage students in teamn activities within the first 3 classes in order to build support and interactions among them. Many find this comforting since they are all feeling overwhelmed if it is the first class at the college.
I try to create immediate study groups, and periodically rotate them.
I do this, too. It builds rapport but it also builds trust in the process. Students feel more comfortable with others that are going through similar life experiences.
The forst day tour of the labs where some of the hands on learning experence will take place tends to be a good ice breaker for me.also helps identify the students who may need specioal attention hanging in the back of the crowd.
I like to use a bit different aprouch and that is just before we start the course an infomal introduction on backround , likes , dilikes ect about myself and then followed by each of them telling a bit about themselves .
This ia an excellent best practice, Not only is it important to help humnanize both instrutor and student, it gives the instructor other avenues to connect witrh the students.
This is an excellent idea. In many classes I have passed out a Q & A sheet inquiring about previous military experience or automotive field experience, but I never really considered the bio! Great idea.
Julie--
Great idea! Do you find that students are hesitant to write that much about themselves?
Susan
