Meeting my first class
It can be nerve racking at first, but then you observe and learn the student and you are well on your way to having a successful and meaningful class.
Myrthe,
Good example of what happens with a first impression as well as being a first time instructor. Set the tone, have confidence and enjoy what you are doing and the students will respect you for it.
Gary
I remember my first time walking in to a classroom to teach my first class. I was very nervous and intimidated for a while. My students notice my nerves and they started to test me to see how far they can take it with me. As an instructor, first impression is very important that first day teaching will set the tone for the remaining of the module.
My favorite ice breaker is having each student write on an index card 2 truths and 1 false thing about themselves. And then have them read it aloud and have everyone guess the false answer. For some reason, people lay out some interesting secrets about themselves that they wouldn't normally reveal. This always loosens everyone up and breaks the silence.
Hi Morgan,
Well said. This is why I always look forward to the first class meeting because we all get to see each other and work on getting to know each other. It should be a relaxed time while everyone gets settled in.
Gary
The first day of class it is always valuable as an instructor to demonstrate your background (knowledge skills), your ability to manage a classroom (enforcing rules that you set forth), and your innovation (giving students an idea of what they will learn--and how).
I have them go around the room and introduce themselves.
Hi Bronwen,
I agree. Being prepared and confident says that I am a professional and I am here to help you be successful if you will put forth the effort. This sets the stage for teaching success.
Gary
I think if you are well prepared and confident it shows the students that you are in control and knowledgeable in your field. It also sets the student at ease about being in your class.
I like to start a new class by asking students to say their name, what they are looking forward to in the class and one positive thing that happened to them in the past two weeks. I'm careful to not let anyone off the hook - all must answer. The things people share are wonderful and it starts up out on a positive foot.
Hi Jason,
Great to hear about your success as an educator. Thanks for sharing the ice breaker idea as well. I know it will be of help to other instructors.
Gary
Going into my very first class, I had no idea how easily I would slide into the teaching role. A fun task I do is pass out the little suckers called dum-dums to everyone. I then have them count up the number of letters in their flavor before they eat it of course. Then I have them find someone they know nothing about in the class. They then each have to give the number of facts about themselves as they had letters to each other. This takes 5 minutes but usually after everyone is a bit more relaxed. Sometimes I make them get up infront of class and list some of those facts. It just depends on the amount of time we have available.
I like to go around the room, have students introduce themselves and state one interesting fact about themselves (e.g., I grew up on a farm and can milk cows by hand) to break the ice and to give others a reference point for each student.
Hi Angela,
This is a great one to get a new class off to a good start. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
I always find the first day of class interesting. I try to calm my nerves by introducing myself and talking about my experience in the field. Then i get everyone else to introduce themselves and give a reason why they choose this career and try and connect with their decissions.
If I have classes that are new students to school or who are not in the same program I use a fun ice breaker: I type up the names of animal types in duplicate and have students select from a grab bag. They must be silent until all have selected a piece of paper. They then find a new friend by making the sound of the animal and interview each other for 10 minutes. When they are done they present their "new friend" to the rest of the class. It makes for a fun get to know each other exercise on their first day.
Hi Queen,
Right you are. There are always some nerves present when starting a new class but once you get the class settled in it seems the course is over before you know it.
Gary
