Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Debra,
Your comments made me smile because that is one of the things I really enjoy about being a teacher. I get to meet and work with people from all kinds of backgrounds each and everyday. My world is expanded as a result of talking with them and then I get to contribute to their lives by sharing the knowledge I have about my field. What's not to love?
Gary

Debra Casey-Wood

I sometimes ask the students to tell me something that nobody in the class knows about them and would surprise us. I have found that this lightens the atmosphere and even adds a little enjoyment to the start of class. It is amazing the things that we find out. I have had everything from classical pianists to sky divers. My favorite was the student who said she could sing. I asked her if she would give us a sample and she did. She had an amazing voice. She later tried out for American Idol and even though she didn't win, she at least made it through three rounds. I am always amazed by the things the students tell me.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Carol,
Thanks for sharing this strategy with us. There are many ice breakers out there and by sharing them with each other we will be able to continue to expand our knowledge of what the best ones are.
Gary

Carol Metoyer

I bought a paperback book of icebreakers - some are helpful and some are not. A fun one is 2 truths and a lie: the student introduces self and the class has to guess which one was a lie. It is lively but does not work with groups larger than about 20.

Jennifer Beaver CHEP

I like to see why each student has chosen the program that they are enrolled. I have heard many different answers, but the majority of them is that they want to help others.

I also asked them some fun questions to answer on the first day of class. Such as what's your favorite. . . movie, vacation, toothpaste, etc. Other students would say I like that as well or I've been there too. It brings everyone on the same playing field. I also play in this interaction with the students to show them another side of me.

James Nguye

i believe that this is a good way to break the ice. First day of school is scary for everyone and especially people who's been out of school for years

Judy Swanson

I also find that when they start to share about themselves that the atmosphere and tension decreases and everyone relaxes. I also give a small pretest just to see what they already know and I do emphasis it is just to see where I need to start. This seems to set the tone of the class in a more positive tone. This also helps me know where to start with each of the students.

Jeaneen Roberts

I always like to know what phase my students are in with regard to the course. This is helpful in adapting a teaching style. It also opens the door to ask the students what they want and expect from the course which helps them be part of the 'planning' process.

They are always interested in how long I have been practicing in the field. I try to bring humor and antidotes, along with my story, which helps break the ice.

I also ask them to tell me one exciting thing about themselves. I then refer to this at sometime during the length of the course so they know I listen to them and are interested in their lives.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Michelle,
In addition to the questions you listed I like to ask the students questions like:
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What are you bringing to the class in terms of experiences that will help you in the class?
What is your ultimate career goal?

I may not ask all of these questions each time I start a class because it all depends on the make up of the class.

A suggestion would be to develop about 24 questions of this type and then use them as needed with the different classes. This way you can react to the dynamics of the class as you need to to better target their learning needs.
Gary