student, teacher introductions
Before I started to teach I was always upset when the teacher had the students get up and do introductions. Being a bit shy it was always a little difficult. Now being an instructor I see the importants of introductions. The teacher gets an idea of the student and some of their background and the students get to know who each other some, without introductions they may not have made the effort.
very important to do introductions, instructor gets an idea of background info re-students and students get an idea of instructor's background and experience.
Because the courses that I teach are all online courses, it is much easier to do introductions on the discussion board because the students don't have to worry about facing their peers or myself. I use the information on their geographic locations, family i.e. # of kids etc, interests etc...when I form groups and during our live chats to make things more personal. :) It helps bridge the gap between the instructor and students in the online environment.
I agree with Josette. As a student, I always wondered why we had to go through the introductions at the beginning of the class. Now, as an instructor, I find this process very beneficial during the first class meeting. It allows me to learn more about the student while mentally remembering the name and face of the student. It also allows the students interaction with one another as an ice breaker. I generally have the students state why they decided to return to school.
I agree with Josette that in some classes I would think the introductions a little ridiculous and unnecessary. Some classes it was very obvious that we would not be participating with each other in a way that would allow me to retain the names and information I just learned. As an instructor, I think that if you want your class to participate for the rest of the quarter you will set that tone with the type of introductions you do. If you just have them say their names and program or year in school they will see that there will be little interaction, so very little reason to remember each other. I taught a class where it was largely discussion based so I made sure the introductions were pretty extensive and by the end of the class there was a lot of interaction going on. It was great to see!
Hi Louis,
The really sets the tone for getting the students settled into the course and with the ice breakers they have a chance to get to know each other and get comfortable with the class.
Gary
Introductions are a good way to break the ice. Its a way to see each others personalities as well as their goals and dreams.
Introductions are a must. I find them on the first class as a great way to break the ice. It gives me an idea who are the students and it lets them know about me.
Hi Josette,
Good point about how introductions can help students get settled into the course. Through introductions we instructors get to know the students and then can plan to meet their instructional needs. The learning of a bit of personal information about a students will also help when you have a one on one chat with that student. Really helps to develop rapport with them.
Gary
