I have found in smaller classes a speed dating exercise that student meet other students and the instructor meets each student a very good ice breaker.
Beginning the basis of "Cog's Ladder." Giving you and the students the opportunity to learn about each other - break the ice. It also allows them to learn about you, which becomes important for an instructor to remember - be yourself! Students will see through someone not portraying a real vision of themselves.
Wendy,
This is so important because it helps to keep you on the same page and moving forward toward the course goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Shannon,
Good strategy to follow as it increases each student's personal buy in into the course this way.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We understand each others goals & expectations for the class and each other.
I like to learn names and goals - it helps inform you on why your students are there. I try to make my class relevant (if possible) to each student's goals.
Alice,
You make a good point and this is why it is good to incorporate an ice breaker as a part of the introductory process. This way students can have fun, share a laugh and learn a little about each other.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Though I find introductions at the beginning of every class very useful as an instructor; this may not always be the case for students. Students are not interested and feel that they are always doing this, so it becomes very repetitive. In order to break the cycle, I would rather make a group activity for everyone to learn from one another. In the end I would like to know what kind of students they are and what their learning style is.
Karen,
I always the start of a new class because I get to walk through some of the items you list. Doing introductions and ice breakers let us get to share some laughs, have some fun and get to know each other a bit. Then we are ready to start the building process for the next phase of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Becky,
Right you are about introductions helping to get a course started off well. I enjoy the first class session because of the introductions as well as the ice breakers. We have a good time, share some laughs and start the development of rapport building and this is a great way to start a new class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I introduce myself as the instructor of the course, I am creating an orderly and relaxed environment, and providing the students with some insight into who I am personally and professionally. I strive to establish myself as a positive leader that is interested and excited to be part of their future success.
One of my favorite ways to do student introductions is to have another student ask a fellow learner questions about themselves and then introduce that student to the class. When students introduce each other they have already started to bond with one another, and it takes the pressure off of the individual having to speak about themself in front of the class on the first day. It also provides me with insight into the student’s background and gives me the opportunity to dig a little deeper into their motivation for joining this particular program of study.
By introducing myself to my students I am not only showing them my human side, but also establishing my experience in the field as well. The student introductions not only allow me to get to know them, but it also helps them to feel important as well.
Peri,
By introducing yourself this way you are establishing yourself as the learning leader. This is important so the students will see that you have something to offer them in terms of knowledge and expertise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By introducing myself, I can let the students know a little about me that helps them see my humanity as well as know the source of my expertise. By allowing the students to introduce themselves, it helps me get to know a little about them that can help me determine instructional methods and needs as well as show students that I am interested in them as individuals.
Rebecca,
Introductions are the foundation upon which the rest of the course is going to build. So we need to plan our introductions so they are fun and informative for our students and set the tone for the upcoming classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
An introduction is essentially a first impression. By making introductions, you are not only getting to know your students not only by name but also their mannerisms, you are also allowing them to get to know you.
Machuria,
Good way to establish a foundation of respect and as you mention rapport with your students. From then on you can expand the relationship and provide support to each student in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As I introduce myself briefly and then immediately ask the students to introduce themselves, I am establishing a rapport with them. I later on tell students, that I use this information to profile them to help me to get to know them and direct the learning in class.
Mary,
Right you are about the value of introductions. I always enjoy the first meeting of a new class because of what I learn about my students. I am amazed each time I start a new course in terms of who I have enrolled and the experiences they have had. I learn so much from them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Michelle,
This is what personalizing instruction should be about. The more you know about them the more accurate you can be in your instructional planning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
