Hi Andrea,
I think you have chosen a good way to start a new class since your students are cohorts and already know each other. You can use an ice breaker like you mentioned but ask for information that is general but in the areas that they probably haven't talked about in previous classes. This can be a real fun exercise helping them learn about others that they already know.
Gary
I think it is always interesting to hear details about professors and their careers. I like to know how their educational and professional experience will add to MY learning experience. I am excited to share the same with my future students.
I wonder how it will be for me in a program setting. The students will all have been together from the beginning and suddenly thrust into my course. This program does not have optional courses which means the students are with me regardless for the courses assigned. I wonder what ice breakers I can provide for me to get to know them without them having to reintroduce themselves to one another.
I think I might ask the students to tell me something about the person sitting to their left and to their right. It would give me a small background of information without boring them. These students will be in the same classes together for 18 months and not in contact or interacting with other students outside of our program. Makes for a very interesting group dynamic!!
Hi Robin,
Good approach. Sounds like a fun opening class that gets everyone settled in and ready for the rest of the term.
Gary
I find this is a great ice breaker. I try very hard to informalize this exercise so as to ease the students in to a comfort zone. As the students introduce themselves I ask a question or two about what they are telling us. I smile, I nod in agreement, I laugh if it's funny...basically I am laying the groundwork for the personality of my classroom. Professional, open mindedness, non-judgemental, non-critical etc.
I love starting class with introducing myself and then going around the room. I think it helps me get to know the students and gives other students a chance to get to know each other. Especially if this is the first time they are meeting each other and might be having a lot of the same classes together.
Hi Michael,
Comfortable and low stress introductions and ice breakers do so much to set the stage for a positive class. Good point about what it can do for the students.
Gary
Introductions are a great way to break the ice and to make yourself as well as the students more accessible to each other. In doing so students will feel more comfortable to participate in class discussions and exercises.
You are allowing your students to get to know you by sharing your personal and professional background. From my students I also learn their personal and professional background. I take notes that I can refer to as I plan lessons (referring back to their experiences with computers etc.)...I know where I might have "gaps" in the lessons and put more emphasis on them to enhance their learning and make it more valuable.
Hi Elaine,
I agree with your approach. You need to create an understanding and connection between you and your students. Once that has been accomplished you can start developing respect and rapport with them which leads to enhanced retention.
Gary
I feel that when you meet students for the first time you need to establish a relationship with them. They need to know what you expect from them and a little bit about your background. I need to know about their background and why they are attending college. Together we can accomplish their goal by communication are expectations.
Hi Cheryl,
This is so important because it lays the foundation for respect which leads to rapport and more engaged students. A win win for everyone.
Gary
I want my students to know that I am excited, qualified, and ready to teach. I also want them to relate to me as a human, a parent, an employee, a family member -- anything that might help us connect -- especially for the students who have been out of school for a few years and are afraid they won't fit in.
Learning names, learning personalities and attitudes. Creating a level of compfort and establishing leadership.
Hi Charisma,
This is a good one. Thanks for sharing it with us. Instructors are always looking for ice breakers that will help them get students settled into the course and talking with each other.
Gary
For my Student Success class I use the ice breaker: 2 truths and 1 lie. This allows the students to get to know me and their fellow classmates in a creative and fun way. It also helps these new students feel comfortable with me as an instructor on the first day.
Hi Judy,
I agree. If we are to be the authority in the classroom and lead the students throughout the course we must have some credentials and experiences that put us in that position. By sharing this information we are establishing our position in the class.
Gary
I think it's important for students to know a little about the qualifications of their instructor. This seems to create a more relaxed atmosphere in the classroom.Students should also be given the opportunity to introduce themselves.
Hi Jesse,
I agree with having this knowledge and information available. The more you know about your students the more accurately you will be able to provide instructional support.
Gary
I am primarily a clincial instructor at sites within the community. For this reason, there are many things that occur on campus that I am not aware of. So meeting the students is a very important time for the students to get to know me, but it often is a time when I can learn different issues about what is happening wiht the student cohort. This helps me with faculty relations as well as assisting to increase my awareness of my students and their learning styles.
I agree. Nothing helpful can come from students knowing about your personal life.
