re: icebreakers
Do You use ice breakers to start off a new module, and if so what kind.
Karen, Thank you for the information. I teach Graphic Design, and on the first day of class for an intermediate or advanced class, I have students do a word play game where they have to describe themselves in adjectives; write their names; and design a logo for themselves implementing their "personality". They must present their logos to the class and get feedback of whether or not they achieved an expressive visual... However, I really like the idea of having one student interview another, and then design a logo for that person based on what they gleaned from the conversation. Very interesting!
What a great idea. I am going to try and use this with my class. Thanks for the input.
Hi Karen,
I like this ice breaker. Thanks for sharing it with us. I know it will be of value to other instructors looking to use ice breakers.
Gary
The ice breaker that I use is a listening exercise. I put students in groups of two or three, they talk to each other and find out information about that person. After 10-15 minutes I tell them to stop and then go to each student and ask them what they learned about their classmate. This also gives them an opportunity to get to know the other classmates.
I think that icebreakers do two things that help get the class started on the right foot. First, it allows everyone in the class to get a chance to get to know each other a little better. Second, it allows teachers a non-threatening way to introduce the first lesson of the class. A well planned out ice-breaker helps to set the stage for a successful class.
As a computer teacher, my favorite ice-breaker is to allow student to create a desktop background collage that they will eventually share with the class. This activity requres the students to become familiar with the computers and network, while also creating something that they will share with the class. The sharing element allows each student the opportunity to share their interests with the rest of the class and allows other students the opportunity to learn a little bit about their classmates.
Actually, I am already using an "icebreaker" called "Introduce Yourself" before the session actually begins. Students submit an image of themselves--could be a photo, montage, drawing (I teach at an art school) or any other kind of image and post it to our "Course Gallery" along with a short bio. Instead of the bio, I'm thinking of posing questions for them to answer to make it a little more interactive and interesting.
Using trivia questions to break the ice is a great idea! I teach graphic design with an emphasis on advertising. All of my students have some familiarity with mainstream advertising, so everyone pretty much could participate. I just need to figure out how to build this into the first online Live Chat.
Thank you Gary. I quiz each day just so that I can retain attendance and know they are reading/studying the material.
Regards,
June
Hi June,
Quizzes really help to establish a baseline for instructional planning. You can see where your students are and then plan accordingly. Thanks for sharing these comments.
Gary
A quiz is always a good way to start off a new module. It give you an great idea of their knowledge before starting to instruct. It is also a great way for them to look back on after you completed the module and be awarded by how much they have learned.
Being an online instructor, it is a challenge in this area. Since I don't have the benefit of eye to eye contact, body language, etc. I have to 'sense' my students as they enter the discussion pod. Many times they text one another, and normally I have one or two students that are more 'talkative' then others. This time of year is good as everyone is on a somewhat common mindset - the holiday season, family, travel, etc. So, what I have been doing lately is starting off by asking if the Holidays have been enjoyable to everyone and that normally gets folks to engage and open up. Other times I may ask students if they saw a particular news article or report on something related to our class.
Hi Avril,
I like your questions. I am sure you get some very interesting answers plus generating a few laughs along the way. This kind of opening enables the students to get to know each other a little while getting settled into the class. I think this is very important so they don't get scared off the very first day.
Gary
These are some great suggestions and I'm going to use some of these in my classes. I especially like the Jeopardy idea. I usually have my students do the 2 truths and 1 lie on the first day to get everyone acquainted.
When I teach video production classes, I have my students shoot a 1-minute video answering questions like "What is your favorite movie of all-time?" and "What brought you to this institution?" and "What do you expect to learn in this class?" They usually have a lot of fun with that!
Hi Jeffrey,
I like this straight forward approach to the class. The students see from the very beginning of the course what they can get out of the classes if they become invested in the process. This is a good example of return on investment (ROI). You, meaning the student, do this then this is what you get back in terms of learning and experience.
Gary
I follow the same lines at the beginning of a new class. My questions are a little more class specific such as:
1. What do they plan to get from this class
2. What can I do to help them accomplish that (#1)
3. What their background and knowledge is currently on the subject of the class.
After that I explain where the class subject matter will start and then where we are going to end when the class is over. This gives them the full view from beginning to end of the class and show what will be expected.
Hello Everyone,
I require each student to introduce themselves by answering 4 questions:
1 Your name?
2 What do you do? (i.e., occupation)
3)Why did they choose this institution?
4)If you were a tree, what kind would you be?
The icebreaker is question 4, because students are able to see commonalities among themselves. Students enjoy being around other students who they can identify with (similarities).
I teach makeup, so sometimes I will use trivia questions on makeup to break the ice. I usually get good responses from my students when I do this.
Hi Colette,
It is very important to ready the class dynamics and introductions really help you to do that. Also, the introductions help with creating a learning community for the upcoming course and this helps get the students settled into the course.
Gary
At the start of a new class I ask the students to introduce themselves and say where they live.
Many of our students commute a long distance to school so this encourages carpooling.
They seem to connect better as a whole as well.
