Earning the respect of the students is critical as the leader who will be directing the class. By greeting them when they come in, the students know I am a human person and it lessens the tension of the first day "jitters". After I do a quick introduction of myself, I will go around and ask the students to introduce themselves to me including their major, occupation and what they expect out of my course. I want to gauge what gaps I need to fill in for courses later on. I also want to share common interests with the student relative to a hobby I may have. I hope this may heighten the interest of the students along with my syllabus given to them.
Rachel,
You make a very important point. They need to create a vision for themselves of their future and how their "career" can be a part of it. This is what will motivate them to put forth the needed effort for success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is one of my favorite parts of the first day! During introduction of myself I also talk about how I love this career, not job. Then I ask are you here for a job or a career to the class as a general question. This also I feel helps with motivation on the first day! They don't want a job they want a career. I then ask someone to explain the differences between the two. It opens up a nice discussion on day one.
Andrea,
I do to. I like knowing this information so I can see how I can support my students with their learning efforts and progress toward the career goals. This is how all of instructors make an impact on the lives of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I enjoy learning more about the students, their personal goals and direction. I hope to understand more about their personal journey!
By introducing my experiences ad background students tend to have more respect on the instructor. On the instructor side by knowing the background of students we should be able to learn their learning abilities therefore we can apply the proper teaching technique. ex. some students are very visual. some thru repetitiveness.
So its a learning environment for the students and
the instructors.
Gary,
This is a comfortable and low stress way to start a new class. Your students get the opportunity to learn about each other and how the class is going to operate while getting settled into the class. This gets everyone familiar with each other and focused on the upcoming class sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I introduce my salf and go into a breaf explanation on how to say my last name (Looy) so student know how to say my name , said like Loy like Boy, then three mins or so about myself and my work experance . Then I ask If I have any Veterans in the class , once I know who they are I peresonaly thank themfor every thing they done for my family and our country. I have them tell the class alittle about what they did while service for our country. I then Have each student stand and tell me their name , city their from , If they are working and talk with them one on one to get to know them alittle.Then we talk about the course , get our books for the course. then we go over SOP of the course and school rules.
Richard,
Yes, it is. The more knowledge you have about your students the more accurately you can target your instructional delivery and help them to meet their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to get a concrete idea of the background, education, and experience of all of the students. This will help in the overal and specific direction of the teaching techniques. Students also need to know that the instructor has had some similar experiences, as the students.
Robert,
Very acceptable. This ice breaker has a lot of positive outcomes and gives everyone the opportunity to know at least one other student a little better. I have used this numerous times in my classes and as you have experienced it really gets a new class off to a good start.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Wondering if a method I have been using in class is recommended.
I ask the class to choose a partner, best that they choose someone they do not know. I ask them to take notes, as they interview each other. At the end, the partner actually introduces their partner to the class. Acceptable?
if the students know how you got here,it is easer
find out where they want to be or go
Jeffrey,
Having rapport with students is what keeps many of us coming back to the classroom or lab year after year. Having learners engaged at this level and knowing they are focused on helping themselves to move closer to their career goals makes for a positive and supportive learning environment and that is an environment we all like to work in.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am trying to accomplish a foundational rapport between me and my students. More importantly however, this is a great opportunity for students to see their learning counter parts (classmates) as an ally (building rapport among student peers).
Once established, the instructor will have an ongoing opportunity to build up on these connections. The instructor can use this as learning or even perhaps a discussion when differences in perspectives arise out of classroom discussions. In other words, as long as everyone in class basically knows each other, it creates an openness to share and hopefully increase classroom cohesiveness.
Greg,
It is important as you know to get students settled into the course. Your approach does that and helps them see how they are going to fit into the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Through introductions of yourself and the students I am allowing the students to relax and feel comfortable with each other and introducing myself let's them know my experience in the field and understand I am approachable and supportive of their careers and success.
Greg
Mary Ellen,
Good way to start a class of new students. This exchange of information creates a foundation for the development of trust and the earning of respect. With both of the elements in play by both you the instructor and the students the class is ready to move forward with learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Through introductions in class, we (instructor and student) gain a personal moment of commonality. We will be able to begin to build a relationship of trust. Students will hear my story, I will hear theirs. They will trust I will do my best to help them succeed, I will trust they will do their best to achieve success. I will be teaching a nursing class and trust is an important component, actually the basis of any relationship they will experience in their careers....
