Meet & Greet
I was just curious about how many of you have a meet & greet session at the beginning of your class....I have found that this does work out very well to not only break the ice of students getting to know each other but it also shows the students that they really do have alot in common with the rest of the students in the room. It also helps new students to really find other students that have been at the campus longer that have the same things in common with them.
Let them whine. If it is something new that you have never done before, they could perceive it as a "flavor of the week" and something that isn't sincere. Keep it up. In the long run the students will come around. Only what the student is involved with is learned. Let them know that you will include participation points in your grading.
Hi Michelle,
Do you use "ice breakers" with beginning a new class? Is this when some of the students whine and complain? I am trying to get a fix on the situation before I offer any suggestions. Any additional information you can share with me will be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to your response.
Gary
Hello!
I have tried doing that with my classes, but some students whine and complain. I swear, it is like I feel I am teaching at a high school and not a college. What do you do to get them involved. I have some who do, bot when I call on others, they act like it is too much work to become involved. Any suggestions?
Hi Phil,
I am sure that it does make a big difference. The idea that you are known by other faculty members is always an encouragement to students. It helps them to feel a part of the college and student body.
Gary
We have been doing this at our campus for a few years. It is nice to get to know students that aren’t even in your class. I believe that it has made a tremendous difference in the attitude of our entire student body.
I don't write it on the board but do talk about where they are all from and what they did before coming to my class. That way we all get to know if anyone knows or has ant exp. in that area.
I've been meeting and greeting before it was implamented at our campus.I've had students graduate that were aquainted with me and never had my class.People are special.Aknowledging their excistance makes them feel special.
I think its a good idea. It gives the instructor a chance to set the mood.
THIS IS A VERY GOOD WAY TO RELAX THE CLASS.THEY IMEDIATELY REACH A LEVEL OF COMFORT.IN A SENSE THEY BRING THERE WALL DOWN.I BELIEVE THEY BECOME MORE RESEPTIVE TO YOU AND WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY.
When instructor saying hello,students are feeling welcoming.But you are saying nothing, just go through lectures or notes,it is difficult to manage criticise from class.
I will sometimes write the hometown and state on the board for each student as they tell me where they are from. Our students come from all over.My students have usually attended some classes together before they get to me.
A friendly " good morning/afternoon, and a warm smile, will go a long way in setting the tone for the rest of the day.Your students will be more at ease on their first day.
I use the meet and greet method as an ice breaker on day one. After I introduce myself, give them some of my personal experience and background I have them introduce themselves. Just a few basic questions. Where are you from,what got you interested in this school,and since this is an automotive school what is your favorite car or truck? This puts them at ease to know that most of them have the same interests.
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for sharing your remarks about not only current students feeling at ease with you greeting and helping to set the tone for the day but having past students swing by and say hello. That is what student rapport is all about. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I meet and greet every day. I have noticed not only that the current students in the class enjoy the greeting but past students enjoy seeing you and saying hello.
I have found that if you take the time to be at the door to meet and greet the new class, it makes the entire flow go better. The student sees you and realizes that you are ready and waiting for him or her.
Hi Cory,
Good plan for starting a class. This method will help you to get the class off to a good start and enable the students to get a feel for what you and the class is all about. Plus the added, benefit of helping students create a support network and you mentioned.
Gary
