As a Psychology major I like to ask on the first day for the usual name and reason for being there and how long they have been there but something more off the wall like - favorite animal, color, ice cream and why.
I feel I can learn a bit about the student by their answers. Usually there is a correlation between their answer and their personality which can help me further along in the course when they come to me with questions or more often when they are struggling but do not come for help.
Through classroom introductions both students and teachers glean valuable information. Not only do students get a "feel" for each other and the class in general, but they also gain a greater understanding of the instructor's expertise on the subject being taught. Conversely, instructors can utilize class introductions as a way to better understand the specific needs of the class. A class full of respiratory therapy students is bound to be different than a class of criminal justice majors.
Aside from this it gives the instructor a chance to make a positive first impression and set the tone for the semester/quarter. Setting students at ease early on may help them feel more comfortable about approaching you when extra help is needed.
Many students coming to class, whether it is they just graduated from high school or are returning after years of being out of the classroom, are usually somewhat nervous about what to expect. Having introductions can reduce the nervousness and create a calming effect. Introductions provide students with commonalities creating bonding between them. Often when doing introductions, humor is found which creates a positive and fun learning environment. Introductions also assist me as an instructor as to how I might teach the class based on what I learn about the students and they, hopefully, will less nervous after learning about me, making it a productive class for everyone.
Kelly Jo,
Thank you for sharing this name recall strategy with us. This will be very helpful to other instructors.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Learning a little about the students and how they react with each other is very valuable and introductions also begin to break the ice and set up a relaxed invironment.
Instructor and Class,
I have been teaching in a college classroom for many years (10+ at this point). I cannot remember names without a story to go with them! Through introductions, I get to know something about the student. I can use this to engage the student later, calling on their experiences to relate the material.
Names and faces blurr over time, but their stories and personalities do not. I look forward to each new group of students and new stories.
Kelly Jo
this is to put the studets, and yourself at ease and to break the ice with the students.
It gives me a chance to establish what is expected of each student and for the students to let me know what they expect from the course.
Karen,
So true and so important. You all need to find some common ground upon which to build the instructor student relationships for the upcoming course. Introductions and ice breakers can help to do this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This allows the instructor to create a bond with the student.
It also gives the student an opportunity to see the experince and works of their instructor which helps to set a platform of respect form the students for the instructor.
I really like this idea of dealing with shy students. I am going to try this next time I start a new class. I've always had them just say a hobby or something they do for fun. Having them pair off and then introduce the other person they spoke with may help them feel more comfortable without the attention being on them while they are talking.
When I present myself I'm trying to establish a bridge of communication and trust between the students that will also present themselves and I.
Eric,
This is a great way to get everyone introduced in a low stress or at least less stressful way. By having the pair stand up the students are sharing in the "spotlight" of the class during introductions and by having the other person standing they have more confidence when it their turn to share.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I understand why the instructor's introduction is important, but I believe that students are very fearful and nervous of their own introductions on that first day. To break the ice on student introductions, I ask students to introduce their classroom neighbors. They take a few minutes to ask their own questions and take notes. Both students stand up and introduce the other one. It's actually quit fun.
Doris,
I like your comfortable low key approach to engaging shy students. This method gets them involved but in a way that lets them see how they can contribute to the class. Good job.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hello Dr. Meers,
When I have shy students or students who prefer not to be the center of attention, I begin asking questions randomly. When students begin responding to the questions I turn my attention to the shy student and ask "How about you?" "How do you feel about ...?" on occasion I get answers from different students at the same time and the ones who did not want to talk in front of others end up engaging in the conversation as well.
Roxanne,
This approach helps the students to see you as a qualified experienced professional educator that is dedicated to their educational growth. This sets the stage for learning success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Ted,
Good point and important for us to do the first day.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The introduction process helps “break the ice†and helps build a learning community and a supportive cohort. By introducing ourselves, we help drive fear out of the classroom and raise the comfort level. By making it feel we are among friends rather than just a group of people.
By introductions, you are able to share a bit of your background and show the students your quailifications to teach the subject, and it is a good way to learn about your students and get a feel for their background and learning styles.
