Meeting New Students
When meeting new students, I always like to look them in the eye and see who looks back at me. For me, it kinda tells me who's ready and who's not. I love it when I see everyone up and ready.
I agree. The first day is always a challenge not only for new students but, for instructors as well. I always like to use ice breakers ... i start and introduce myself .. then encourage the class one by one too as well and to mention something extra they would like others to know!
When meeting new students, I put them at ease by introducing myself. I will ask them questions such what classes you like, which ones you find a challenge, and why did you select a particular major. This break the ice, and no one feels offended. When you focus on the students interest, they will open up to you. I experience this everyday as a Librarian. If you act unprofessional, its sets a negative perception for your department. Put the students first. Let them know you are here to help them with the learning process.
Meeting new students is a new beginning for the student and instructor. You can put whatever happened in the last term behind you and focus on doing you best in the present. Students need encouragement as well as instructors. Encouragement for instructors would be that their students are understanding content of what you are teaching and they can apply what they have learned.
Bonnie,
I love starting new classes for the reasons you state. Meeting the new students and learning about their backgrounds is exciting and I am always amazed at the backgrounds that are represented in my classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Meeting the new students is one of the most exciting parts of starting a new class! I like to find out some personal information and get a feel for their personality and interests. I like to display an attitude of genuine interest in each person and make them feel valuable!
I also play this game when meeting a new class. The students find this fun. It is also great to learn something about someone else you didn't know.
Stephanie,
This is a fun game to play. I have used it with my students and they really enjoy how it helps them to get to know each other better. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When meeting new students I always like to do an ice break game (2 lies and 1 truth), I also participate in the game , and it helps all of us to get to know each other and students feel comfortable.
Steven,
Thank you for this good advice for instructors and how to approach the start of a new class. New instructors need to heed your words as they prepare to meet their very first class. It is OK to have a case of nerves but with good planning and understanding of how to approach students the first meeting will go well and the class will be off to a good start.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's reassuring to find out that experienced instructors get nervous when meeting new students. The lesson I learned from my first day of class, is to see myself from the students perspective. I want to be "that" instructor that I admired when I was in college. When I think of these concepts, I become relaxed and become a stronger role model.
Sue,
These connections lead to the earning of student respect and the development of rapport. These are the rewards of being and educator that is impacting the lives of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Each student provides an opportunity for connection. It will be great to explore this relationship as I progress as a new instructor.
I have students with diverse backgrounds and expectations. I like to have them introduce themselves and their background in order to figure out the best learning style and resources to use.
Christian,
This is a great view to have as it opens up some many different opportunities for your instructional expansion and improvement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also see it as a new opportunity to try new
teaching methods that you think might help students in the learning process.
Juan,
Good perspective to have as you approach each new course. This is the foundation for course improvement as improved instructional delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Every class is onother opportunity to change someones life for the better, and it gives me a chance to improve on anything that fell short of the plan
Leonard,
You make a good point about needing to be student centered in your approach when starting a new class. Making sure your students know of your passion for your field and your enthusiasm for teaching about it is critical. They also need to know you are there to support their learning if they are willing to invest the time and effort to be successful. This sets the tone for a positive class going forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Meeting new students.
There is so much to talk about regarding this topic, “meeting new studentsâ€. The first day can make or break a student’s dream; it can also become an instructor’s nightmare. An instructor needs to encourage students; engage the students if he wants to keep them. But the instructor has to set the tone as well. For me it is always a balancing act. The one thing that stays constant is my interest in the students and their wellbeing.
