I love the introductions!
I always ask students to tell me something about themselves -- but warn them that what they tell me is probably how I will remember them!
Hi Kirstan,
You are right on with your approach. With your method you are learning about your students as individuals and as a collective learning group. If you aren't already doing it I would suggest that you include an "ice breaker" in your opening session. This lets the students have a bit of furn while getting to know each other better.
Gary
I also love the introduction session of the first day of class. It not only gives me a little insight into the student, but I also ask them to give me their experience in the field. This way I can start to gauge my class as a whole based on the level of experience level. It also gives me a chance to ask generic questions to see who is a willing participant and who needs more prompting. I have found this effective but I am always open to suggestions.
I like introductions its always good to have everybody introduce themselves one the first day to braek the ice.
Hi Robert,
You can keep the questions in the general career domain. Questions like "Where do you see yourself working after graduation?" or "What are your top three career goals?" will help you get insight into the students without making them feel like they sharing personal information.
Gary
I dont want to get to personal. Are there things to ask which leave an opening for people who do not what to share what they believe is personal information.
Hi Kimberly,
Good way to start a class. I like the way you build a connection between what the students tell you and how you remember their names. We need all the help we can get and by using your method there is a connection there that will help get the names stored in memory.
Gary
I ask the students to tell me their name, what they prefer to be called and finish this statement "I'd rather be........" This have given me an opportunity to learn interesting things about them personally,their interests, hobbies, etc. and I often use the details to help remember them until I learn their names.
Hi Peter,
By learning more about each student you are also developing rapport with them. This really helps as you get into the course and need to connect with each student. The information you have really helps you to do that.
Gary
I find that knowing little tidbits of information on the first day helps me break the ice, but also helps me fine tune to their learning style. I ask them to tell me where they're from, and something unique, or intersting that i wouldn't know by looking at them. You end up finding out some pretty intersting things, and it helps everyone feel comfortable.
That's fun and creative!!
Humor is important to break the ice and help them get relaxed. One of my favorite icebreakers is: I have the students list 3 things about them selves, two which are true, and one which is not. The class then has to go around and guess which one is not true. It is a great way for all of us to get to know each other a bit right from the start.
Hi Timothy,
Good to hear. You are going to do a good job if you just take this information to heart and develop a plan of instruction that fits your style and with which you are comfortable.
Welcome to our profession. I wish you an enjoyable and successful teaching career.
Gary
Hello, All of these sound like great ideas, as a new Instructor that is moving closer to my first day of instructing a class. These ideas will help me find my style.
Thats sounds fun, I'll give it a try.
Hi Cheryl,
Great way to get the course off to a great start. The blend of personal and professional enables the students to get comfortable with each other, have a few laughs and develop an idea about how they are going to fit within the course.
Gary
My favorite introduction exercise is to have them all write on an index card the following things: Name, favorite study junk food, place they've always wanted to visit, goal for the course, major or program they are in. I put them in groups of two and have them discuss what is on the cards. Then, I put them back in the large group and ask them (without looking at the cards) introduce each other. It forces them to listen and it provides an entertaining first introduction.
I 100% agree! Since my introductory course is all about game design, I make it a point to learn a little bit about each student and have them explain to me their favorite game and why. It gives me some great insight when looking at their design assignments, and makes for a great little test of class effectiveness when I ask their reasoning again at the end of the semester. For most, that "why" really changes quite a bit.
Hi Anne,
I can only imagine some of the answers you get. Is there one food that is most hated more than another with your students? Being a lover of all things food I can't imagine what that might be. Am sure you get some great discussion as well as laughs when doing this activity.
Gary
Since our school deals mostly with food items I like to ask the students their most hated food item. It usually leads to some very interesting responses and is more entertaining than favorite foods.
