I like to use introductions as a way to assess what the students know and why they're interested in what I'll be teaching, so I can then alter my class content accordingly.
Daniel,
Thanks for sharing this ice breaker with us. I know it will be of help to other instructors as most of us are always looking for ice breakers we can use. I believe strongly in having introductions as well because they help students to get settled into the course and start to feel like they are a part of this emerging learning community.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that introductions are the most important part of the first class meeting and I take extra time with them. It is easier for me to remeber the students' names when I know a little something about them and it helps break the ice. I also like finding different and creative ways for the students to share a little bit about themselves. One of my favorite ways to do an class introduction is to have everyone write their name on a piece of paper and then make an airplane out of it. After the students throw them around the room, each of them pick up a plane and interview the student whose name is on the plane and introduce them to the class.
Denisa,
This is what makes working with students fun. You get to feed off the energy of the students and they feed off your as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I was introduced to the class today. I had to say a few sentences. After I introduce myself, I asked everyone " how are you doing today?"
Answer was "good"- Students said it very quietly.
I was asked how am i doing; my answer was with enthusiasm and clear: " Fabulous!"
I brought some smiles to their faces:-) and that was my reward for today.
Victoria,
You have an interesting student group to work with. With the life challenges they are facing it is good to see them in school and hopefully gaining knowledge and expertise that will enable them to move forward in their career development. This is an awesome responsibility to have as an instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I would like to accomplish with my students that they are retaining the information and studies I am teaching them. I'm always asking if they have any questions PLEASE ask. I like to think also, that they feel comfortable having me as an instructor. And I am teaching so that they understand the subject matter. My students are young 18 year old girls. I instruct at night. I know its hard for them to concentrate sometimes, struggling with children and school at a young age.
Jenalee,
This is how you present yourself as a learning leader. Also, you are showing your students that you have been where they are and that you understand their needs in relation to being students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By introducing myself I am putting myself in the instructor role. I am showing the students I have credibility by presenting my career experience to them, explaining to them how I got into education and relating to them by explaining a brief history of myself including hobbies, etc. By the student introductions I am then getting to know a little bit about them and their history and why there have come into this program.
I think it's important because you're students learn your background and it helps to build trust from day one that you know the field. It helps you as an instructor to get to know your students, their learning styles, personalities, etc. It also helps to ease anxiety and people don't feel so much like strangers anymore.
I learn alot about my students thru instructor and student introductions. This is where i can assess there learning habits, previous work experience. I can also get there hobbies and anything else they have a passion for?
I can then tell them about how i came to be an instructor and my work experience, and hobbies. I find that there is a great potential to really connect with my new students. I then slowly follow through with a student meet and greet. I will ask them how they want to be called in class, and anything else that may be expected on the first day of class.
First off to help build a report with my students, I also give them my background in the industry I teach and how working in this field has made my life enjoyable in the hope it motorvates them to succeed in this field, having them give a brief into also helps me understand their mentality and goals from taking this class.
Amity,
This is such a good way to exchange information about the students and yourself. This way everyone learns about everyone else and this helps to get the class settled down and ready for the up coming sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like that introductions break the ice. I also get to put names to theirs faces. I think its important for them to know some back ground on me that way the have the respect of my knowledge and myself as the educator.
when starting a class with new students, meeting for the first time, generally i like to begin with myself explaining to the class how it is that i got into this field, how i progressed to where i am today.
i then like to ask around the room for student to say what work they have done over the years and how did they get to decide on this new trade, and also how do they feel what skills they have already can be put to use in this new field.
i keep it as casual as i can and encourage discussion and/or questions between students.
i believe it helps break the first day frights and allows the room of new students to feel welcome to speak their mind unlike in grade school.
the adults are not used to being students and the last thing i want to do is make them feel like kids
An effective introduction helps put the class at ease and can help to establish the bona fides of the instructor. The introductions can also set the initial framework for the teacher and students to share personal examples and vignettes that emphasis teaching point that come up throughout the course.
Nick,
It really does. I really enjoy the first class meeting because I get to learn about the students I will be working with over the next few weeks. I am amazed at the life experiences these students have had and I am able to incorporate a lot of those experiences into course discussions. You are right with your comment as it relates to getting to know the personalities of your students through the introductions. This way you know how to reach out to the students and get them engaged in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By introducing yourself, the students get to know your back ground within the field of study. This gives you creditably when training your students. By having them introduce them self you get to know a little bit about your students. You can find out which one lack self-confidence. After the student introduce them self, I talk about job interviews. When asked tell me a little about yourself, to keep it job related. Do not relate information that I cannot ask, for example that you are single with three children. I also use the first day of class to answer student question, and cover the syllabus. The first day of class set the tone for the remainder of the course.
Nick
I believe that this is one of the most important parts of the first day of class. Adult learners, in my opinion, need to be reassured that they are dealing with a human being, someone that understands where they are coming from and where they are going. They also need assurances that as an instructor, you know the field that you are going to be teaching them to help them succeed. I also find that having the students introduce themselves to each other and the class, they find "kindred spirits" so to speak. Those who are in the same familial situations or from similar backgrounds. This establishes a sense of community from the beginning helping to develop a support network for everyone to accomplish their goals.
Richard,
This is important so the students will feel supported and comfortable.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
