New instructor introduction
I am excited about greeting and helping my first class. Any advise on not having my personal/background introduction sounding too scripted? Would a q&a period be appropriate and help begin engagement? Any ideas or thoughts?
Christopher,
Sounds like you have created a very nice professional blend of your professional experiences and the human factor with your students. This is how respect is earned and rapport developed. You are well on your way to enjoying both. I wish you much success in the weeks ahead.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to briefly go over my history, both educational and professional, but only as it pertains to the course. A lot of my students in my current school are there for technical certificates as opposed to 4-year degrees, and took much heavier interest in my professional experience than my educational qualifications. The opposite has occurred at other places. So I touch briefly upon myself and then let them have the floor for introductions. I do open the door for questions about more of my past f there's time, and those students in related fields are indeed interested. I try to stay human, and pepper my personal introduction with a little humor and a little humility so as not to bulldoze anyone with my ego. No if they ask for my ego...
Hi Peter,
You make a very good point about instructor credentials and acceptance. It establishes a foundation for what you are going to share with them in the upcoming course. It also makes it real for students.
Gary
I think if you talk about your credentials and how it relates to what the students are studying they will appreciate that they have a qualified instructor. If you ask them questions as you are giving your background information it may sound less scripted. eg, I am a Chiropractor so when I tell the students I ask the question "who knows what a chiropractor does" It then sounds less scripted and the students are encouraged to take part in the class right from the start.
Hi Todd,
I think that it is nice to give a road map with your history of how you got to the classroom and a bit of why you are there. This gives the students a little to think about instead of thinking what a Sharp Pencil Guy you are. Student are looking to the instructor as a roll model. The first day will decide a lot. Although, "Lead by example" plays a big part sometimes your "skills" can win the students over and create a strong foundation of leadership.
Hi Todd,
You might want to do a ice breaker where the students introduce themselves and give some of their backgrounds. You can do this with the students moving back and forth across the room. For example as students who would rather read a book, move to the other side of the room, or watch TV, stay where they are. Who would rather watch a sports event, move across the room, or have a cookout, stay where they are. You can ask them 5-6 questions like this and they will be moving back and forth so everyone can quickly see other student interests. Then you can have them ask questions and have the class respond by moving back and forth. The goal is to get them to learn more about each other in a general way. Then you can have them introduce themselves where they tell something about their previous experiences. You would be a part of this process as well. You go last and that way the students learn about your experience and expertise but within the context of introductions so you don't come off as bragging but as a competent professional that is going to teach the class.
Gary
