I always use an ice breaker to find out information about where students graduated from high school or reveived their GED. What their family status is and what their personal expectations are from the class. I am always amazed at how diverse geographically and experiencially the classes are.
Hi Adrienne,
This is a great way to set the stage for student success. If they are feeling comfortable in the class, know they have instructor support and can rely on their previous life experiences they will be more forward focused and motivated.
Gary
Your introduction to your students is at least two-fold -- one, letting your students realize you and your background add value to the course and two, to give them an outlet to "shine". In other words, it gives the student a platform to share insights from their perspective. We can each learn from the other.
Hi Jessica,
This is a great way to start a new class. It gets everyone involved and talking with each other. There is little to no stress as they are writing responses to questions about themselves so they feel confident in their responses.
Thanks for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
I am new to teaching this quarter and I used a technique shared by an experienced teacher friend of mine. As part of the student introductions, I had 10 questions posted around the room on large sheets of paper. They ranged from questions regarding personal items (e.g. why interested in the program, dream job once completed) to study based (e.g. effective study habits, favorite ways to learn materials). I was even able to have them fill in the blank for the question "As my instructor, please don't ever...." This was great because it allowed me to address some items that I never would have thought to talk about until an issue might have come up. The students had fun mingling with each other while writing on the sheets and I got to mingle with them. I also had them answer "What is one thing you want to know about your instructor." This had some fabulous responses and I've been able to slowly address these during the course of consecutive classes during down time. I really enjoyed this technique and plan to utilize it in future classes.
This will be my favorite part because it helps me to get an understanding of the student, their background, and their expectations and goals of the course.
Ifeel introductions by students and instructors are very helpful the first class. Everyone can learn from diversity - especially background-educational, job related,etc.
I like the students to know who I am and I like to know who they are...what they are about...not just a 'number'. I like to walk out of the first class knowing a face and a name and a little about each individual. I have students 'interview' a partner and then present that person to the class. This gets students talking to each other too. I have found it to be a good ice breaker on the first day of class. We create a rapport with one another and students know that I am interested in them as people and don't just consider them "Student # 23345".
You are accomplishing open communication between you and your students. YOu are learning about them and whats important to them.
Hi Jennifer,
Good points about class introductions. I also think the time spent doing introductions help everyone get settled into the course. It lets the instructor get a feel for the dynamics of the class as well. Introductions are a win win for everyone.
Gary
A lot can be learned from the instructor and student introductions. First of all it breaks the start of class tension. From an instructor standpoint, it allows me to put a face with the name of each of my students. It allows me to gauge the confidence level of each student. I am also able to identify those students that may need extra attention and/or encouragement. It also helps me identify the students who may need to be challenged a little more in order to maintain their focus. Form a student standpoint, the instructor and student introductions allow them to learn that their instructor is competent, confident and approachable. They also get to learn about their classmates and identify those with whom they may want to network.
Everything we do ministers,
Jennifer Gaddy
Hi Anna,
Good way to start the class and get the students comfortable with each. This way they start developing connections between each other that will help them throughout the course and beyond.
Gary
One approach that I also use is having each student turn to there classmate sitting next to them.They get 5min. to talk to each other and let them know a little bit about them.At the end the student introduces the classmate.It's really a fun introduction and they get to meet there classmate right away.
I get to know there name a little bit about each one of them.
Hi Dara,
This is what you want to do with a new class start. You need to make a good impression and get them settled into the course. Doing some icebreakers and introductions help start the respect and rapport development process.
Gary
The thing that I'm trying to do most by introductions is to build rapport, to relax students, to create a friendly atmosphere.
Patricia,
I like your statement about telling the students your reason for teaching. I also tell my students this. I let them know that I am a student centered teacher and I teach for them. I base my success on their success. I believe this helps them to relax and know that I am here for them an not against them.
Setting a tone of respect and hopefully setteling some nerves. Taking a positive approach and making a good first impression is important to both instructor and student.
Hi Raul,
Knowing you are there to support them is important for students. This way when something comes up they know they can approach you and you will help them work out a solution to the problem if it is within your ability to do so. If you can't you can always refer them to the appropriate source.
Gary
Giving a small overview of course content, and what I expect from the class are good tips that I will consider it for my next introduction. Also, professionalism and first impression always matter even though we as instructor could face personal issues.
And let the students know, I am there to help them going through the course with my expectation (syllabus) as instructor of the subject.
