First Day of Class
On the first day of class, I like to introduce myself and go over the objectives. I think it is important to make sure the students understand and know what to expect for that class. I think it helps when they find out their instructor also went to college, had kids at home, and also worked out of the home. I also explain to them that I like to have the class specifically structured to help them in their field.
Joan Buesing
Regina,
It has been my experience that many students do not realize that instructors are human beings with lives outside of the classroom. By you sharing that you once sat where they are sitting and that you had many of the same student struggles they are currently experiencing you are letting them know you do understand them and that you are there to support their learning efforts if they are willing to do the work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that it is important for students to see the instructor as a human being with a life of his/her own. This way, the student can relate to the instructor more and treat him/her with respect. On my first day as an instructor, I told my students that I went through the same program as a student that they're going through right now. This lets them see that I understand what they're going through, and if they succeed, then maybe someday they can be instructors as well.
Manuel,
I like this approach to starting a new course as it gets everyone familiar with each other and settled into the class. When this activity is completed you are then ready to start introducing the requirements and expectations of the course as well as the syllabus.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that the first day of class will set the tone for the rest of the quarter. I do similar things that have been brought up. I have the students introduce themselves with following guide: major, class (first year, second, etc.), if they are currently employed what they do, share a little known fact about themselves, and finally what they want to get from the class. Once we go around, I do the same for myself. I think it puts us all on the same wavelength and helps the class keep focused on everyone's goal. Sometimes the little known facts can be humorous.
M.A,
I think this is a great way to get students settled into a math course and feeling like they can be successful. By personalizing it you are showing them that they don't have to fear math and that they can move through the course while developing their confidence in math functions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Since I teach Math, I have my students do a "numbers about you" activity. Many of my students already have a phobia about being in a math class and are very nervous. If I take the time to show them that numbers are part in defining who they are it seems to relax them a bit.
M. A. Davis
Michael,
What a great way to get a new class off to a good start. I am sure the favorite food question generates a lot of discussion not to mention laughs. This is what getting a class settled in should be about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
On my first day of a class, I introduce myself by giving some of my background information and then I give my students 2 minutes interview another classmate to find out; their name, area of academic interest (major), biggest weakness, most reliable personal strength, and their favorite food. Yes, their favorite food. You'd be surprised how many times during the course I can refer back to their favorite food. It creates a little laughter and relaxation. After the students have interviewed each other, they then have to introduce their guest to the class. It works very well in establishing mutual respect for one another.
Ana,
You are showing your students the human factor with this sharing of your own responsibilities. I like the ice breaker as well because I know it generates a lot of discussion about the unexpected things students have done.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I too give a despcription of all the "hats" I wear. I feel it gives the student a sense of comfort knowing that I'm "normal" and that i too face day to day challeges just as much as they do.
Ice breakers are great. I use one I named "expect the unexpected" Students must say one thing we wouldnt expect from them wether it be a rare food they eat or a strange hobby. It helps the students feel relaxed and its an opporunity to get to know one another.
I start the beginning of each class with joke, seems to lighten the atmosphere quite a bit! followed by an introduction of myself and background. the class is then tasked to meet the person next to then and introduce them to the class.
Terri,
Be early to class and spend a few minutes chatting with the students as they come in. You will be able to create an informal connection with them and that will carry over into the formal setting. Be friendly and remember that you are a role model for them and you will do fine as a newbie. This is all in addition to your preparation and understanding of the content you are going to deliver.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a new instructor, I like the idea of 'ice-breakers" to open the pathways of two-way communication between sudents and instructor and between students. Any other pointers for us "newbies"?
Michael,
Good way to get your students to start seeing you as their learning leader. Understanding that you have both the experience and expertise to be the instructor helps your students to see you in a more human light.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
That is exactly how I approached it. I introduced myself and the course. I also added that I too have been there before and know what it takes to be a student. It seemed to be a really effective ice breaker.
Jodie,
Your approach of sharing the "other" side of your life outlining some of the roles have helps the students to see you in a human as well as educational way. I think this is an important of the instructional process. The use of fun introductions and ice breakers are a great way to get everyone talking and forming a connection within the learning community of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also give a description of all the "hats" I wear, including mother, coach, etc. that way the students are able to view me as typical and not just an educator with a degree. It helps the students to view me in a different light. I also go over my expectations of the class and ask them what they expect of me. By asking them what they expect of me I define the learning environment as a dual relationship, give and take. Not just a lecture.
I then do an ice breaker. Last time I used "Two truths, one lie". Students have to write 2 true statements about them and 1 lie. I then read them to the class and we all have to guess the lie. This helps classmates get to know each other, plus I benefit from learning a little about their personality from the answers.
Olivirgin,
What ice breaker do you use with your new classes?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree I think also it is important to do a ice breaker.
