We do something similar to that with our new students where I currently teach. Helps us learn about them and they learn more about each other.
BY Bernell DUNN THURSDAY JUNE 29 2012
I BELIEVE ICE BREAKERS IS A GREAT IDEA FOR THE TYPE OF PROGRAM I WORK IN .WE DEAL WITH STUDENTS WITH DIFFERENT EDUCATION LEVELS , DIFFERENT ETNIC
BACKGROUND AND SOME HAVE ALL TYPES OF PERSONAL PROBLEMS. THE ICE BREAKERS GET THEM TO RELAX, AND
BE COMFORTABLE ,GET THEM TO INTEREACT WITH EACH OTHER BUT MOST IMPORTANT IS THAT THIS WILL HELP THEM NOT TO BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS DURING YOUR CLASS PRESENTATIONS .A GOOD LITTLE ICE BREAKER I USED IS CALLED THREE TRUTH AND A LIE.
EACH STUDENT MUST TELL THREE TRUTH AND A LIE ABOUT
THEMSELVES AND THE CLASS MUST FIND OUT WHICH ONE IS THE LIE
Kathleen,
I agree. Instructors have to be clever with their "introductory ice breakers" because the students may have similar assignments in other classes. "Putting a spin" on the assignment can provide more excitement and potential, "teachable" moments for the instructor.
Tremayne Simpson
I like the idea of 5 odd questions. I usually have classes that have already introduced themselves to each other so I ask them to write 4 interesting things about themselves on a paper and them we all try to figure out which paper matched which student. They have a lot of fun ith that and they get to share things they might not have known about each other.
amy,
Thank you for sharing this activity with the group. I have also used a similar activity, however I ask that the students use their "perception" to answer the questions for their partner. In other words, the students have to "guess" the answers for their classmates. This is a fun activity for the students, however it also provides a "teachable" moment for how perception works and also, how our perceptions can be incorrect.
Tremayne Simpson
On the first day of class I like to introduce myself, and then have all of the students introduce themselves and state why they have chosen their career fields. After that I ask each one to write down at least 5 off the wall, silly questions. I then place them in pairs or groups and have them interview each other. They then have to introduce the people that they interviewed. This has proven to be very humorous and is a good way to get the class talking and eases nerves.
James,
I agree. I also think that it is important to implement "icebreaker" activities periodically, during the course, instead of just the first day of class. Sometimes an activity of this sort can "re-spark" student participation and enthusiasm in the course.
Tremayne Simpson
I believe this to be extremely important, especially to an Introductory class. Helping to make students more comfortable in class helps that student who is somewhat backward to adjust to this envirenment.
Mitchell,
Establishing comfort amongst student, is a primary key to creating a positive learning environment. Student participation is a primary part of learning and can be used to provide the instructor with a "litmus test" for student comprehension of the topic.
Tremayne Simpson
Thank you for the Life-line suggestion. I will use it soon.
The goal for the ice-breaker, besides breaking the ice, is to begin to create a kind of intimacy amongst the class, which is rooted in shared knowledge, shared experiences, and exchange of ideas. The result is that the students feel comfortable with each other.
I agree with this. I also start every class by giving them a background of me as instructor and my life to a degree. I like the idea of getting to know the students and what they know. I will use this strategy next term to gather information regarding my students
changhiz,
Thank you for sharing this ice breaker method with us. In general, most students enjoy talking about themselves and it is a great idea to incorporate that into ice breaker activities. Properly "breaking the ice" during the first session of class can have a positive impact on the amount of student participation, in the course thereafter.
Tremayne Simpson
