It is important to know where your students have come from, both education and social backgrounds. As instructors, students need to know our pasts, why we are now in the educational aspects of our career. We can all learn from ones mistakes and accomplishments. What are all of our goals, know that we do not all think alike, do alike or talk alike. Introductions can set the stage for teaching and learning.
Sarah
Letting them know I have been in their position, as a student,and they too can master this material.
Hi Paul,
Good way to help get the students settled into the course. What are some ways you have the students introduce themselves in your course?
Gary
I am showing each student a sense of self worth and success.
You are allowing everyone to ease into the class, to know who their fellow students are, to give everyone a chance to size each other up.
Student introducing themselves gives me as an instructor a chance to know why they have picked the specific career field.
Hi Sara,
This is true for getting a class off to a good start. The students appreciate and respect a leader in the classroom that has the experience and dedication to take them on a learning journey.
Gary
The introduction of yourself will help with classroom management, because you are establishing yourself as an expert in your field. When students a introducing themselves it is showing them you think they are important and you care about their success as a person.
Hi Carla,
Thank you for the comments about your efforts to make your communication personal for your online students. Many instructors don't know how to do this or won't do this and they can't seem to get their classes to gel. Reaching out in a personal way like you do creates the connection needed to keep a student engaged in the course for the duration.
Gary
Hi Amer,
I use the same strategy for the reasons you listed. Knowing their names show that I have invested time in them as a person. I want to develop rapport with them so I can be of help to them when and if they need it.
Gary
I am able to accomplish my goal of getting to know my learners beyond just their names. When I taught on ground, I made sure that I memorized each learners first and last name. I tried to learn something profound about each learner. Teaching online is obviously different, but I do take the time to personalize my communications with each learner.
One of the main goals that I aim for on the first day of every class is to try to learn as many of my students' names as possible. Showing your students that you genuinely want to learn their names proves to them that you care. An introduction must allow the instructor to share his/her experiences with his students in order to build the confidence but at the same time give an opportunity to break the ice and have the students become comfortable in class.
Hi Stephen,
Both of these introduction components help to create a foundation for moving the course forward. You all (both you and students) have something in common in terms of understanding each other and the course content.
Gary
Hi Bronwen,
I agree. This information helps to create a connection between you and the students right at the beginning of the course. This gives them and you a reference point from which to operate.
Gary
When I introduce myself to the students it gives them a sense of my credntials. Than following I ask them what their goals are and what they are doing at present. I use the funny line so what do you want to be when you grow up!
I think that by introducing myself and a bit of info about myself it establishes 2 things. First, that I have the knowledge to be in the place I'm in and second, it helps humanize me a bit. Especially if I can provide some humor in the discussion. I think it makes me more approachable to some of my more timid students.
Hi Edwardo,
Yes, they are. The more students can learn about each other and you the instructor the easier it will be for them to feel accepted and a part of the course.
Gary
By, Edwardo mojena
The introductions are so important especially being in the class early before students. Getting to no each student before the introduction is a way to break the ice to create a consistent flow of the class and expectations.
Hi Yolanda,
Good points about the human aspect of teaching. Knowing we care goes a long way with keeping students engaged and retained in the course. Plus, we get the pay off of knowing we have made a difference in their lives.
Gary
This is often one of the best parts of a course; getting to know my students and allowing them to get to know me. It reduces the affective filter for so many students; allowing them to feel comfortable not only with expressing their thoughts and ideas to me, but also to speak publically in front of others, which so many people are afraid of. It allows me, as the instructor, a little insight to each student and gives me an idea about their backgrounds, professional experiences and a brief looks into their personal life. The latter can be very important, because issues in a student’s personal life can often have a negative impact on learning and often times, when a student knows that their professor or instructor has an interest in them, they can set aside what might be troubling them, just for a while, so that they can focus on the lecture or other course activities.
