meeting the class for the first
In my opinion, it is critical that the instructor get that first impression right the first day of class. To do so, I feel inquiring about students' background the first day is a great way to "break the ice" and get in "tune" with some of the dynamics.
Hi Kim,
Thanks for sharing this great way to get the students more familiar with each other. It sounds like a really fun way to kick off a course.
Gary
To break the ice, we play bingo. Not just the run of the mill bingo, but a bingo game that allow the students to get to know one another. The students are provided with a bingo sheet but instead of numbers, each grid will have statements such as "a grandparent" "a person commuting over 50 miles for school" or maybe "a person who likes to eat beets". The students than has to circulate the room asking each other these questions trying to fill in their boxes for "BINGO". The game usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes but during this short time the students learn about each other and I get to listen in and learn some info about the students.
Hi Daniel,
This is a fine line to walk in terms of keeping the class moving forward without border war between two factions on a topic. I try to keep such discussions contained within a tight time frame so I can move to the course content. I tell the students we will spent five minutes on this topic and then move on. That way I can stop the discussion due to the time limit rather than the students feeling that I cut one side or the other off because of not agreeing with their position.
Gary
This concerns me only because I don’t want to have to get into the middle of a current event and have to choose a side at the risk of alienating the part of the class that disagrees. I’m sure we have all had to be a mediator in situations that involve class discussions that are pertaining to the subject matter we are teaching. Let alone subjects that are outside of our curriculum.
Hi John,
I like this idea. Plus, it gets the blood flowing to the brain once again.
Gary
I have the entire class stand up and get in a single file line in the middle of the classroom, then they vote by moving to a side of the room as I toss out current issues. Often the issues have nothing to do with the class but it gets everybody talking and paves the way for future discussions.
Hi Wallace,
What method do you use to get to know students as the course begins?
Gary
I have not had students talk abought themselves much
Hi Daniel,
I really like your style. The methods you are using help to get the students comfortable with you and the class. The questioning format sounds like it is fun for the students as well as being informative. I am sure your students look forward to the opportunities they have to ask their questions and are surprised at how common those questions are.
Gary
I like your questionnaire idea. I will be using this in the future to gather quick information and as a resource to contact students if there are issues or information that needs to be shared.
Howdy All,
After introductions and outlining the course and answering questions as I go. I’ve found it effective to explain that they know each other from previous classes but I don’t know them. I call them up individually just one on one and ask them what their expectations are from the class and why they are in the program, this way I can be excited about their motivation for taking the program an let them know that their expectation in this current class is correct or that the information they are outlining is going to be in another class or even partially in this class and partially in another class. The remainder of the students are split into groups that are randomly drawn from a hat for the purpose of compiling questions about the course or me. After meeting with each student individually we answer the questions that have been compiled. It always amazes me that some of the questions or concerns I thought were perfectly clear but the same question is repeated over and over again. It’s not particularly frustrating it more entertaining. Sometimes I ask who can re phrase what I just said? And that seems to work.
Hi Ernest,
These are all great ideas to get more information about the students and help them to get settled into the class. With your methods you will be able to develop both respect and rapport with your students at a much higher level.
Gary
One way that I follow your suggestion is to have the students fill out a little questionnaire. Not only do I ask the standard kinds of questions, but I ask for informtation that might give me some additional insight into the personality and interests of the students. For example, "What is your theme song?" "What is your greatest accomplishment?" "What do you enjoy doing during leisure?" And, on the reverse side of the sheet, and this is particularly good for the visual learner, I ask for a self-portrait and a few symbols to help me get to know them. I avoid having them stand and introduct themselves. Getting acquainted one with another can occur later through interactive learning games. The "get acquainted questionnaire" is one of the most helpful tools that I use on that valuable first day.
