It creates an element of familiarity. At the same time it eases anxiety and helps on another level, to learn students' names.
Marilyn,
This is a very good approach allowing you to share your human side as well as your professional experience. This sets the stage for a positive and forward focused class that has the students feeling comfortable and involved in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Caryn,
This is so important in establishing the foundation for the development of respect and rapport. Good strategy, thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I introduce myself I am giving the students an opportunity to establish a good relationship with me as their instructor. I give them some of my background so they can trust I have the skills and education needed to teach the course. By having the students introduce themselves they build relationships with each other and gives me some information about them. That helps me to develop a friendship by bringing some of their personal interests into a discussion with them.
Connection! It begins our relationship and opens the door to create a more comfortable learning enviroment. I love to start class by having the students introduce each other. By using a list of questions, the student interviews their partner. Then they introduce the student to the class. What a great ice breaker and it provides a wonderful opportunity for them to connect with each other and learn why the have chosen this profession. It also allows me to learn more about them and to enhance the learning enviroment to their career goals.
Kim,
This is the human factor in teaching and it is essential for the development of rapport with students. You are bringing excitement and value to the classroom for the students. In turn the students will be motivated to do their best in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I want the students to know right from the very beginning that I want to be there...that I love what I do and what I teach. Once they know why I am here, I like to find out why they chose this particular career path. Whenever possible, I will try to incorporate their own goals into the class and show how both can be acheived. I also like to see what their biggest fear is about the class so I can address this issue and try to alleviate it right from the very beginning.
Pauline,
This is the human factor in teaching and learning and it is so important. With this form of introduction they get to see that you have been where they are and that you have a full and rich life as a result of hard work and much effort. This is a motivator for the students as well as a way to get the class off to a good start.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jeanie,
Good observation for you. This approach gave you another way to start your own class if you feel that this method will work with your classroom style. The more you can observe colleagues the more options you have for your own classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
when introducing myself to students at the beginning of a course start I tell them how long I have been an instructor, how long I have been in the professional field they are learning, a story of my experience in the field and my hobbies outside work. In doing this it gives students the knowledge that I am a professional and I have also been in their shoes, it also tells that I am a fun active person in my off time. It gives an opening to sharing an introduction to get to know them on a professional and personal level. when students give an introduction I want to know about what brought them to this particular career choice and hobbies of their own so I can get to know them on a professional and personal level.
Introductions allow the students to break the ice and get to know each other. Instructor introductions allow the students to be ensured that they are being taught by well qualified staff.
I just observed another instructor's class two days ago. It was the first day of a new session and during the introductions the instructor had each student introduce themselves with the usual personal info, but also asked them to take 30 seconds to tell the class what their biggest pet peeve was. There were some pretty comical responses and it sure got the class paying attention to their classmates answers and eased any tension or apprehension about the first day. I enjoyed learning the different personalities of each student and it also helped me remember their names.
Jamilya,
This is what I call "setting the stage" in my new classes. We all learn about each other and get comfortable with how the course is going to be conducted. A laugh and shared experienced reinforce that this is going to be a good course for all those involved.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that in learning about where they are in life and what their goals are, I can effectively relate to them.
By introducing myself as the instructor establishes tone, goals, repsect, credibility, knowledge in the field, and rapport. It also allows for students to become more comfortable and able to see me as a "human". I love to display a fun educational environment that's conducive to learning and safety. When students introduce themselves, it provides an understanding of their goals and aspirations, along with a little of their background for fellow classmates and myself. I'm able to see them not only as students, but as individuals, which can sometimes determine what types of student they'll be during the course.
Patrick,
Good point about the value of establishing the creditability of the instructor. The students need to know that they have a person of competence and experience offering instruction to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that it is important to introduce our self, it set a professional tone and as well it can open the class to nourish more about the specific arguments.
If the instructor would not introduce him or herself the students would not know some special knowledge and the consequence would be of not asking any questions.
Christine,
Good way to balance the course content with reality. The more "real world" examples you can introduce to the class the more understanding they will have of what they are preparing for and will work within.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I really enjoy meeting my new students and finding out what makes them tick. When I share my past experiences in business and in school, I like to share how difficult our program is, but how rewarding it will be when completed. When I share my work experience and the ups and downs of how hard school can be, my students appreciate my honesty and realize they are not alone. This also helps them to open up sooner to me and to fellow classmates.
Robert,
Trust and respect are two essential components that need to be in every classroom. We instructors need to keep this in mind as we approach the classroom each time.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
