Getting to know your students
I find it is very important not only to get to know your students, but also how each one will act and react within the classroom enviroment.
Hi Kathleen,
Good question. What I have done is to send a little survey to my students in advance of the first class. I have them answer some questions that will give me some general knowledge about them. When the first class begins I ask them a question about the course. Their answers then help to set the stage for the course and in my answers to their answers I am able to weave some of the personal information, such as hobbies into communication. This way I haven't taken a lot of time from the course content but I have been able to develop rapport with the students through our exchanges.
Gary
I will be teaching an online class for the first time in a week. There are 17 students in my class. Since they already know each other, how do I get to know a little more about them so that I can start to bond with them? I thought of asking them each what is their number one hobby but with 17 people that could take up half an hour of a one and a half hour class and I might not get my lesson plan completed for that class.
It is very important to get to know your students. Each student has their own needs. As a leader you need to figure out how to reach each and every student. I strive to teach, learn, and motivate each and every student on a daily basis.
I agree. the way I get to know my students a bit better is to get to class a little early so i have the time to talk with them about their lives, families and jobs
I often teach online and this makes it more difficult to get to know students. One way I attempt to do that is the feedback that I give them on their assignments. This feedback needs to be clear and to the point. Often times less is more however I do attempt to encourage them to achieve.
We have the students fill out a information sheet just for our use. It let's us know how far they travel from their home.This affects students w/ tardy issues.We have a section on the form asking if they have any allergies or anything else that they want to tell us in a confidential way. we do not share this info. it's only for our personal use.
Hi Jeffrey,
What are some strategies that you use to help predict how students will react to different situations within the classroom?
Gary
I agree it makes for a good raport on a personal basis trust is easier established
