When I introduce myself my main objective is to let my students know that I too was once a student just like them. I want them to be aware that I understand their concerns and fears.
I want my students to get to know each other in the classroom. I do this by having them learn something about the person next to them and having to remember the last persons name and a bit about that person. This is a great and fun way for people to get to know each others names and a little bit about them without being too personal.
The other thing it does for me is gives me a little insight on my students.
Introductions are important because they provide an opportunity for the students to get to know you but also other students in the class.
Students need to feel that the instructor is an expert in the field. When you take the time to introduce yourself you paint a picture of your experience in the field and your success in the classroom environment, this will open the door for you to gain trust from the student. They will begin to open their mind and heart to believe you have something to offer them that will help them reach their goals.
Hello Dr.Meers and Happy Holidays.
Through introductions of myself and the students,
a confortable environment is generated and this makes it easier to move to the next step.
The students might be stressed the first day,so it's very important to reduce that stress by guetting to know each other.
It actually get the 'quiet' ones out of their comfort zone which allows them face and overcome those fears.
I do notice a few students who may appear uncomfortable speaking to the class and that is why I have them speak at their seats and not stand in front of the class.
I think this relieve the stress of walking in front of the class and having to feel awkward when speaking.
By introducing myself it assures them that I am a professional and understand my field. It also makes me 'human' to them.
Having the students introduce themselves allows them to relax and also gives me an opportunity to interact with them and give them the feelign that I actually care who they are and what their goals are!
Introduction from the instructor and student is vital to both the students and the instructor. On the instructor side, it gives the instructor a better understanding of who the students are, where they are coming from, how they intend on dealing with the course or even program, and their intentions after the course. That little bit of information will help the instructor to appropriately condition the course to suite the group for better learning. On the other hand, it serves as an icebreaker for the students, it gives the students a better understanding of the individual that is about to teach them; which would either boost their enthusiasm or break it. Believe it or not, the introduction would give the students a bit of a frame work of what to expect from the instructor, in terms of content.
I think introductions are a great way to learn each of their names and find out why they are taking the course and to determine what motivates them. It also helps to create a bond between yourself and the students.
Giving the students a chance to find out more about you and your teaching style will help them to feel more at ease in the class. All of this will let them know that your are interested in them and their success in your class.
I believe in the fact that human beings learn something new every single day, and when it comes to introductions with a group of people (students in this case) make me learn about different attitudes which not only help me to have an understanding of their abilities but that also helps me to improve on my interactions with different kind of situations. I always thank my students that when they make an excuse to skip an assignment or a test that gives me ideas about how to deal with a situations like these in future.
Allowing the students to know my experience in the field helps them to rely on me for information.
My goals in going through introductions are many:
- I want to establish my place as an authority by initiating and leading an exercise
- I want to learn all the students' names and respective backgrounds, what their interests are and their goals in pursuing this sort of occupational training
- I want to get a sense of their ability to form and express thoughts or to assess their voice both by having them write down the information and by discussing the details in a group setting
- I want to spark any potential bonding between the cohort members who might have something in common
- I want to recognize potential interests in content so I can cater exercises around the needs of the students
- And finally, I want to establish my experience as an authority on the subject matter.
Mark,
If you set a comfortable and relaxed tone through an ice breaker you then can have them introduce themselves and they won't be so nervous. My ice breakers are fun and involve a lot of laughter and that really gets the students settled into the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Introductions are vital! I like to stress to my students that their educational journey will most likely include much needed support from not only personal friends and family members, but most likely their peers sitting in the seats next to them. It is intimidating sitting in a room full of strangers. When you find out likes, dislikes, experiences, family dynamics, etc., the intimidation factor disappears.
I like the idea of the students introducing themselves. But as a student, I was always nervous when it came that time speak. I spare them this awkward moment - but now I am reassessing!
Trinity,
Something that will help you with this effort is to have a list of questions to have the students respond to as they introduce themselves. While they are giving this information make a note beside their name on the roster that captures the essence of what they are saying. Review the note on each student before the next class so you can attach a significant fact and the students face to that name. This will help you get the names committed to memory much quicker.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The introduction is one of the most important parts of the course. It sets the tone. It is the chance to bring your students in. They will not know what to expect as they sit in front of you for the first time. The instructor has to take advantage of that moment. I really want my student to know that the course is going to be interesting, and that they will gain from the course. If the delivery is not well thought out, then the students can lose motivation from the gate.
I know that I am hoping to learn their names, and enough about them to get started in the class.
I teach in a very new content field and I find that spending a few minutes talking with my students about my background and somewhat extensive experience even through the field is very new helps to create some rapport and set the students at ease a bit. In this field, anyone who calls themselves an expert is usually shunned, so I know it is important to establish this background with them.
Also, since it is so new, it helps to know where the students are coming from to help relate the course content to them and tailor the class speed a bit to spend more or less time on certain subjects.
It is important to make sure proper introductions between the students and teacher, as well as, students and students. The first day of class I want to make a good impression on my students and when it comes time for introductions, I inform them of my background and expertise in the subject matter being taught. I also like to take time to get to know the students backgrounds and major. It can be a nice ice breaker if students are comfortable with talking.
Daniel,
Good reminder for students. As you know sometimes they let their comments get away from them and say things that are not in the form of professional communication.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
