In the basics of human communication, information is better believed by the receiver when they have a sense of trust from the sender. Trust can be established by humans in communication through familiar exchanges of information that allow each other to get to know those that are sending or receiving information. As human beings, we typically pick up on one or two prominent traits from an individual before classifying them in our social memory. When those traits are of comparable worth to being well educated on the subject matter, students are more likely to trust information in lecture. When an instructor seems more human, as opposed to an automaton, it reinforces the basis for that trust in learning the material. Students who are apprehensive of the instructor will focus on that apprehension as opposed to what is being taught.
Sandra,
This is an excellent observation on how the simple introduction can help reduce class anxiety.
It is important for me to learn their names as quickly as possible. This allows me to build a better connection with the students and thus the class. I like to give a little personal histry about my experiences and invite them to do the same during the introductions. This way we are getting to k now each other and sometimes even learn fun and interesting things about each other.
Hetty,
Well developed rapport is such an important part of teaching for both the students and the instructor. You make a good point about the value of it in relation to the human aspects of sharing what we have in common.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I like to also set the tone that I am here to help the students succeed in their career goal. I like to learn what motivates these students to learn and how I can help them succeed.
We are breaking down walls. Students will get to see the humanity of the teacher and develop a sense of comaraderie with each other.
Scott,
This is so important. By being comfortable and getting settled into the course early the students will be ready to learn quickly and excited about the next course session.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am helping students to become more comfortable with both me as an instructor as well as the other students around them. This should help create a safe and comforatable environment that will provide an optimal learning opportunity.
What a great way to have students interacting with each other right from the get go. I am going to implement this when my next term starts. Thanks for the great idea. Love it.
Andre,
Yes, you are and rapport is such a critical element of teaching success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Brent,
This is a comfortable and enjoyable way to get to know each other as everyone gets settled into the course. Then the students will be ready for you to cover the syllabus and course goals.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Through introductions of yourself and the students you are accomplishing several things. You build a rapport with the students, make them more comfortable with you as an instructor and sell the concepts of the course.
By the instructor introducing himself, he can establish that he is the leader. Relating his experience in the field he can establish respect that he is an authority on the subject. Letting the students know more about you shows the students that you are human too.
Having the students introduce themselves to each other can give a sense of security in a new situation and relax more.
Margaret,
Thanks for sharing this introduction ice breaker with us. It is a good one that really gets the students going without causing them stress.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hi Kelly,
thanks for the advice. I find that by the end of the term I can finally put the faces to all of the names! I will try your method.
Elaine
It is the basis for the relationships formed. I like to pair the students up, the students will then tell each other about themselves, after about 5 minutes each student will then introduce each other and tell us something about them (family, hobbies, goals, etc.) This is a great icebreaker and gets everyone involved!
Making a good first impression is important. Properly introducing yourself along with a short history will help establish your authority in the class. Student introductions give the students as well as yourself the opportunity to start to get to know each other. These introductions serve as the first step in creating a sense of community in your class and if done in a relaxed atmosphere will help your students settle in and become comfortable in their new environment.
Angela,
Well said. I really like introduction time for the reasons you state. It gives me a feel for the students that I will be working with over the next few weeks.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Introductions are so important. Not only does it contribute to the first impression the students have of you as an instructor, it helps to establish your position as the leader in the classroom. The students will want to figure out who you are as an instructor and may have some fears. The introduction process can help eleviate some fears of students. Having the students introduce themselves gives them an opportunity to get to know each other as well. The introductions of students will help me as the instructor understand where they are and how to best help them in their learning.
Esther,
I use this same approach because it is a great way to help the students get comfortable in the class as I get to know the students and what their expectations are for the upcoming sessions.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
