During the initial session of the class I review the important information of the previous class and then proceed to explain the information that will be taught that day and the outcome
I find this to be a great "ice breaker" that relaxes the students as well as gives me insight into their ultimate goals. I always start with my own introduction so the students get an idea of what to say and how to say it,
Jessica,
Good way to learn about your students and get a feel for the composition of that group of new students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I get a feel of who they are. I introduce myself and speak shortly about my work experience. I have them introduce themself, where they are from and a brief history.
This is a great way to get students comfortable with the instructor and other classmates and it relieves "new class" anxiety. Introductions also allow for more personal connections which set the stage for a comfortable learning environment.
Patricia,
This an important part of establishing yourself as the learning leader of the class. We all have the lives outside of our profession so sharing some general facts about our lives helps to create a connection between us and our incoming students. This is the human side of instructor role.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always post an introduction of myself to the course website, and ask students to do that as well, even if it is a face to face course.
It gives students some idea of who I am, but also often seems to include something I have in common with them, such as where I was born, how many children I have, etc.
Sultana,
Good way to start a new course. The more information you know about your students the better you are going to be able to earn their respect and get them engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
On the first day of class students are nervous. As an instructor i want to learn about my students, their educational and professional background.It is always a good practice to let the students know about their instructors educational and professional background also.
Patti,
You have a great model for starting a new class. Your approach is comfortable and supportive as well as informative. All of these components help the students to get settled into their new class and seeing how they are going to fit into the class, with their colleagues and the instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Introducing myself and a bit of my professional experience and history creates confidence and trust in what I have to offer. I also like to tell students how and why I got into teaching and relay my positive experiences as a with previous students so they can begin to emotionally connect. My first introduction to the students is as they enter the room and I attempt to be a good "hostess", if you will, so they feel respected and more at home in the classroom. I have a tool "Getting to know You Better" in which I ask a few simple questions about how and why they are pursuing this career direction and also give them opportunity to express any information they want me to know so I can better assist them in their learning. I've gotten very positive feedback from this tool and found that students will often disclose information there than in a more public setting.
Claire,
This is a common concern listed by online students. As online instructors we need to help them adjust to this new learning environment through increased interaction and follow up. Once they see that they are still connected to their instructor and other students in the class their engagement increases. But, it does take some effort and time on our part.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If the students feel comfortable in the classroom—virtual or physical – they will succeed, making the learning environment more enjoyable for everyone. One of the biggest complaints from students about online courses is that the class is boring or there is not enough interaction. They do not feel connected to either their peers or their instructor, and without that connection, they struggled to understand the course material. For a majority of students, their entire education has been in a formal classroom setting where they have frequent, if not daily, direct contact with both their peers and their instructor. An online environment for many students feels foreign and devoid of this interaction.
Patricia,
Thank you for the kind words about this course. So pleased that it has been of help to you. I am excited for you as you approach your second term. Each term you teach will get better and offer more rewards because your confidence is growing along with your expertise. This is what makes teaching so much fun and rewarding.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I'm just finishing my first term as an instructor and now realize how important this first step is. As I approach teaching my second term I intend to use the information gleaned from this module during my first class to learn more about my students and to provide them with a better understanding of myself and my background. Very interesting and helpful information!
Gurkan,
This is the approach I use for the reasons you state. I do an ice breaker with my students and the introductions. While doing both we are getting to know each other and figuring out how the course is going to operate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A great method in getting acquainted with the class is by personal introductions. I have encountered a number of instructors applying this introductory approach as it enables not only the instuctor to introduce themself, but also students to familiarize themselves with one another. Furthermore, such an approach enables to ease stress and anticipation levels of the first day of class, enabling everyone (including the instructor) to settle in.
Linda,
This is a good approach because it shows balance in your career experiences which is what happens to us all. None of us have success all the time but when we encounter challenges our working through them give us experience upon which we build so we are better prepared the next time we encounter such a situation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like this format as I will be teaching my first class this winter. I will use this concept as an Ice Breaker also by sharing a great experience with a not so great experience which will let the students know I am the Instructor and Instructors also experience not so great situations.
Rhonda,
The more you know about them the more you can customize your instructional approach as well provide needed support. In addition, knowing you are interested in learning more about them helps the students to become more engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
