Peter,
Good insight into how to welcome students into a class and getting them feeling comfortable with their new surroundings. The development of rapport at this point can well mean the difference from quitting or continuing on with the program.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Introductions allow the students to gain a sense of who you are and help the instructor establish some sense of credibility with the student. Student introductions allow the instructor to learn something about the student that he/she may not have been aware of. It helps to break the ice and establish trust between instructor and student. Trust is essential!
Building initial rapport, I do not know them and they do not know me. I have a social service background, currently in the intake dept of a psych hospital, so I am keenly aware of the importance of making someone feel comfortable in a uncomfortable environment. Discussing names, backgrounds, using positive non-verbal cues, makes everyone human with an attached narratives, and by sharing these typically makes people feel at ease so we can move on to discussing what the class is about.
You are taking the first step in knowing your class.
I think introductions by instructors could open a door for a friendly trusting teacher student relationship.
I do the same thing because I think it puts the students more at ease with the class and the instructor
David,
Great way to start a course and get the students settled in to it. I like your last sentence. They will be surprised at how much they will learn once they start applying their new knowledge and skills.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
My introductions begin with reading the attendance roster and ensuring proper pronunciation of each student's name and nicknames. Then I hand out the syllabus, talk briefly about my career in teaching, and start going through the syllabus. So the introductory period starts out like a first date: student nervousness and insecurity; my humorous asides relax them; and then we get to the "meat" of the course and they become nervous again but leave knowing I care about them and their success. One of my favorite lines is: you think you're smart now; just wait until the course is completed.
Misty,
I get the same results when my students introduce themselves. It gives me a real good feel for the student composition so I can plan my instructional delivery in relation their learning preferences.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Introductions from students help me assess many things. I can gather what kind of person they are, how eager they are to learn, if they really want to learn, if studying is a priority and so on. It has helped me quite a bit in understanding how to address issues or even just encourage students along the way.
The first day of class is always an exciting day with a little anxiety thrown in... both for myself and the students. Through introducing myself the students get to know me a little as both a "human" as well as a "professional" in the field they are working toward. It always helps me to get to know my students in order to better understand their background in both a personal and/or educational way. Information such as this helps me with understanding and working with each student in a way that will hopefully lead to their success in my class.
When I have students do their introductions at the beginning of the class, I always ask them to tell me their name, what they hope to get out of the class, what about the classes makes them nervous , and one fun fact. I find that this helps me to gain incite into what each student is hoping to get from the class and it allows me to direct my teaching to areas I know they are interested in, if possible. I also like to know what they are nervous about so I can help ease those fears, if possible, and also it helps other students to see that they are not alone. I like doing the fun fact because it helps me to remember something personal about the student and it helps their name to stick in my brain.
Introduction of yourself can establish you to the students as an authority in your field, a "human" with other experiences and interests, and an approachable resource for help and guidance. Student introductions begin to remove the sense that others are strangers and to build them as a "team" working toward a common goal. Student intros also give the instructor reference points for individuals regarding their situations, experience levels, and expectations.
Our program is designed so the class progresses through the program as a group,so it is important to establish good rapport early. By introducing myself, my students learn my background in the field. Two important features of student introductions are that it helps students realize that everyone has obligations off campus, and not everyone has a dental background. This fosters support for one another when life gets hectic, and those without experience in the field do not feel isolated or at a disadvantage.
You are listing your credentials, and why you are qualified to teach that particular course. This gives the student insight, and an opportunity for a general understanding how their education, or current class(es) will affect their career.
It also gives you an opportunity to learn names. I associate something specific a student has told me with their name. I usually ask students to tell me something unique, for instance I had a student who liked camels, and I still know her as Mary who likes camels. The student feels like they matter, and can somehow relate to you as their teacher by such a simple action; as remembering their name.
I find that by sharing some information about myself and learning about the students, I develop a better rapport and feeling of mutual respect between myself and the class. It also allows students to find common interests with fellow students that they may not have been aware of prior to my class.
Carmencita,
This is a such a comfortable and relaxing way to open up a new class. Everyone gets to know each other in a non-threatening way while getting settled in the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Najla,
Good point and one we instructors need to remember as we start a new class. The more comfortable and at ease we can make our students the greater their engagement will be in the class from the beginning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Dr. Tillman,
This is a good way to get the quiet students involved. Something that I do with these students is to have panel types of presentations. I will assign all the students in the class to a group of 4 students. Each student has a topic to present on for 3 minutes. I have the group come to the front of the class and have them take a seat behind a table. They then present their topic while seated. By being seated, behind the table, with three other students and a time limit of 3 minutes they feel much more comfortable presenting than if they had to stand a lone at the front of the class.
Another strategy that might be of help.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I feel that this "breaks the ice" when students and Instructors simply open up to one another. Know they know just a bit more about that person that stands in front of them.
