Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions
What are you accomplishing through introductions of yourself and the students?
True, there needs to be a sense that the instructor is the professional, not a friend - this is part of modeling for the class. However, in certain fields such as auto mechanics, I do share a certain aspect of my personal side that is not necessarially found on my resume - my passion for automotive & related manual trades at home as well as work. This does help to not only show students the human side, but also the enthusiasm for the field - and it helps to relate the outside experience to the individual class such as brakes, electrical, etc.
That's a really good idea. Especially for larger classes - when students just tend to get lost in a crowd and think they have nothing in common. Plus it it a great way for them to communicate with people they would not ordinarily communicate with (kind of like the job world).
as an instructor i always introduce myself and let my students know of my qualifications and some genral background of myself. I dont go to far into deatail but i think in order to have a good realationship with you students you must let them know the genral person that you are. I feel as if this is the best way to start out the term and class for your students!
Edward,
There is so much value in this type of approach for the reasons listed. We need to remember this when we plan the start of a new class.
Gary
We can break the initial ice and begin to get to know each other.
The introductions also allow me to begin to size up the students and get a feel for where their heads are at and why they are in the class.
It also allows me to put a name and face together.
The introduction develops rapport (if done correctly) and provides the student insight into the personality of the instructor. It will build the student's confidence level if the instructor's introduction manages to engage the student and demonstrates passion and competence for the course.
Helping the students to get to know one another and helping the instructor get to know their students. It also helps to lighten the tension as a new group of students come together for the first time.
I teach speech, so I find that introductions on the first day are crucial to establishing a comfortable environment, especially since many of the students are already dreading the course and the thought of getting in front of the room.
I find that getting to know the students the first day is good. Sometimes it is the instructors first time meeting the class where as many of them may have been in class before. I can get a feel of where they are trying to get to in their career goals.
Breaking the ice, getting to know the students and getting them to know me. Also I learn a little bit about what their background is and how it may impact on their learning.
I agree with Dianne. I try to keep my personal life personal. I find that many instructors try to be friends with their students and in doing so they share personal stories and infomation. To me this makes the teacher/student relationsip a little obscure. When the opportunity presents itself I may share a past work related experience with them if it's related, but that's as far as it goes.
We are accoplishing to give/have basic information/reflection of who we are. As an instructor, it helps me have these basic information to learn my student names in the very beginning.
I feel through introductions not only are we allowing the students to learn a little about ourselves but we in turn are learning about our students. We are also setting the stage for our expectations of the class. If I have a larger class I like to group 4 students together and have them introduce each other to the class and also give the class one interesting fact about the student they are introducing. I found it interesting when one of the students made a comment to another student that she had taken a class with in a previous mod "Wow I never knew that about you and we just spent the last 5 weeks together!" The exercise also helps the students build a certain comfort level with each other.
I'm continue to be surprized by student experience and background as they introduce themselves. Even those that seem shy and attempt to downplay their experience and prior education can have their self esteem increased if we as instructors respond properly.
When the instructor introduces who they are and the history of the instructor the students will then understand the expertise And career experience of the instructor. When the students introduce it gives the feel of the instructor to get to know the student as well as other class mates.
I believe this is the first step in managing a classroom, but should not be just a self introduction, should be more wide including student previous knowledge.
Valerie,
Knowing there instructor has had life experiences similar to them really helps to build a connection. Many times students forget that we all started as students and had to work and struggle to get where we are at. It wasn't handed to us, we earned it.
Gary
I beleive that we start somewhere in life and this helps the students relate
Jodi,
This exchange of information really helps to get the class started off with a level of understanding and comfort between the class and yourself. Good way to get the class going.
Gary
