Ice Breakers
I always start my class with ice breakers, starting with myself. It usually turns out to be very informative, fun and relaxes everyone. It can be time consuming in a large class but, it is worth the time spent!
Ice breakers are a good way in introduce yourself to the class, get feed back, and questions and answers. I also always ask if there are any veterans in the class, and thank them for there service.
I've never done this...but I just may...sounds like a lot of fun!!
Any type of activity that helps a new group become more comfortable can be considered an "ice breaker", and I think it should definitely be part of any class' first meeting.
cynthia,
This sounds like an exciting activity. Also, it is a great exercise in assessing student perception.
Tremayne Simpson
I also like to start my first class with an ice breaker. One of my favorites is to have each student state two true statements and one false statement about him/herself. The class must then guess which statement is false. I begin stating three statements about myself(one false) and have the students guess the false one. Not only is much information gained about your students and their experiences, but there is much laughter!
Every new course start brings a new challenge and opportunity. Day one- personal welcome followed by a brief introduction of myself, background and personal experiences. I then walk around the room and personally introduce myself and ask several questions that are both education based and relevant to their personal lives. Where are you from, what are your goals. It seems to really allow me to have their full attention while the course structure and expectations are presented. Also allows the students to feel comfortable in the ne environment.
tiffany,
I have used a similar activity with my students. Interestingly, I find that students are elated, when I bring up one of there interesting facts, later in the course. Therefore, I try to keep notes while they are presenting to the class.
Tremayne Simpson
Misty,
This sounds like an innovative ice breaker activity. What is the typical ratio of students that enjoy "board games" vs. students that enjoy "video games"? This could also be used as a perceptive tool in assuming the student's profile and approach to learning.
Tremayne Simpson
As an instuctor, the most important thing about ice breakers, is the opportunity to know your student in a better way, we can know about their personal interests or different points of view
I love ice breakers. I have each student give one interesting fact about themselves. Then I give a few about myself. I then have other students see if they can remember someones fact. This help all of us to get to know each other.
One of my favorite Ice Breakers is asking each student to tell me what types of games they like to play. This can include table top games like poker and monopoly or games on computers or consoles.
I do this for many reasons. Being a Game Art and Design instructor this question plays into their interests and hobbies as well as giving me a quick physic profile.
I Know a student who prefers puzzle games such as rubic cubes or computer games like Portal will most likely be the student that seeks out challenges and puzzles to figure out. I know that i will need to keep them challenged. They also tend to be the most studious students.
Students that prefer console first person shooters are usually attracted to the action and adrenalin. This means that i will have to make sure that student stays engaged as they are the type to get bored easily.
There is so much to learn from a person's entertainment preferences. You get a good idea of who that person is with just a 1-3 word answer.
Ice breakers like these have helped me get a good idea of each student even in larger groups while generating a lively and energetic discussion.
I have never liked the traditional ice breakers as a student or as an instructor. What I do on the first day of class after the intro is done is give everyone a small pad of sticky notes and have them write down why they are taking the class and any questions they have about the class, stick it to the wall on their way out of the room for a break. When they return I read the reason why they are taking the class and answer the questions
I then have a mini lesson with lecture, demonstration and a lab that they must perform in a small group. This sets the stage for the coming class periods. I think these activities are a sort of ice breaker. Not as invasive but they do get the students working together in a group on the first day.
I love ice breakers on the first day of class! I feel it sets the tone for the rest of the semester. Students also will get comfortable answering and participating in class discussion for that semester.
Jennifer,
I agree. Ice breakers can be used to establish a level of comforth with your students and they can provide you with a little insight, regarding their personalities.
Tremayne Simpson
Let me throw this out there to see what sort of responses I get. What is your favorite or most creative ice-breaker? I've paired students off and had them spend a minute telling their partners about themselves, then have them switch. Then I'll have each person in the class tell us all one thing about the other person. Not everyone's thrilled with it, but if you explain the rules ahead of time, people can plan what they'd like the other person to say. Works better for smaller groups, though.
Being a new instructor my self, I was nervous just as much as they were. I found that "ice breakers" helped not only my students but myself also. I gained a great understanding to which way would be best to present my lessons to them.
Sherrie,
I agree that it is important to start a class with icebreakers. In larger class settings, I find that it is best to break the class into small groups and ask them to interview each other. With this activity, it gives them an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment and it allows everyone an opportunity to share with the entire class.
Tremayne Simpson
