Introductions
I thought I'd share my experience of class introductions. hopefully, some will find my approach useful and some will give me some pointers to make it better. :)
When I start a new class and introduce myself, I tell the students where I'm from, where I grew up and the studies I've realized in the field. Then I tell them my professional experience and current occupations and music-reated projects (I am a teacher of electronic music). Then I ask their names, hometown, music background, reasons to choose this particular career, and what they think of themselves regarding the industry (DJ, producer, songwriter, engineer). Can anyone think of another question/s that I should be asking? Thanks!
Juan.-
I always introduce myself and provide info of my background and past experiences in the field I am teaching.
I feel there should always be a formal introduction. This allows the students to understand you're more than just an instuctor and that you started out with little knowledge but you also took it upon yourself at one point to be in the same learning situation.
I also ask where they see themselves after graduation. What area of specialty they might be interested in.
Very good idea. I seem to get quite a few students who really don't know where they are headed with their future career. This will require them to give it some thought, and could spur some good discussion.
That's a great idea! I will use this when I start my new class on Jan 11.
Thanks
This is a great idea! It will provide the students an opportunity to assess where they are and clarify their goals. Also, it requires some basic thought to answer - more than just the facts. Thanks for the tip...
Ask them what they want to accomplish in the course and how you, as the instructor, can help them in this endeavor.
Great tips Juan. I believe that having the students speak about themselves helps the instructor get to know the students as well as takes the pressure off of a new instructor for a moment.
Discuss other people that you have encounter along the path that influence your thoughts.
Any trials and tribulations that occurred to get to this point.
Hi Juan,
You might want to ask them where they see themselves in the next five years. By asking them this question you are getting them to think ahead about how this course can help them achieve their career goals. I also ask my students to describe their "perfect" job in the industry. This gives me an opportunity to follow up with each student during the course phase on what it takes to secure that perfect job. It helps to motivate the students and gives them a vision about their future.
Gary
