I always use some for of ice breaker in which the students get to know each other as well as myself. I will participate in the ice breaker with them to model the expectations as well as give them an opportunity to learn more about me. Depending on the size of the class, students can learn quite a bit about me just through the ice breaker. However, if I feel they haven't learned enough about me or what I'd like them to know I will expound after the ice breaker.
An instructor is not a "friend" to the student. He/She is the classroom manager. Still, as a caring human being, the instructor should teach in the spirit of friendship, modeling the attributes you would expect to see in a good friend, such as integrity, honesty, fairness, politeness, respect, and so on. This, then, is the spirit of "philo" and where education begins and how each course can begin- through introductions.
Hi Jody,
Good example of how to introduce yourself and establish yourself as the instructor. You are right about the need to earn the respect of your students and develop rapport with them right from the beginning of the class.
Gary
It is an "ice breaker" for the class. It provides comfort to the students and us as instructors as well.
It gives us a chance to learn something about the students. It also gives the students a chance to learn something about us and the students learn something about each other.
It creates a welcoming environment and experience!
In my introduction of myself I tell students I majored in Math in college and wanted to be a high school math teacher, but I ended up teaching elementary school full time. Now I teach college math part time. I hope this tells students I know the content. I hope this tells nervouse students that, sincine I can teach elementary students, I can teach them. Introduction of students helps create a bond between me and them. A strong bonf between teacher and student will pay big dividends later.
I feel that introductions of myself and the students accomplishes a few things. We all learn a bit about each other, and what we have in common. It relaxes everyone. It begins to build a community.
What I am accomplishing through introductions of myself and the students is rapport. I show the students that I respect them, value their presence and am ready to work with them. Day one sets the tone for the course in which I will be leading. I want to establish myself as an Instructor of quality and integrity fully engaged in my subject and my relationships with my students.
One I am accomplishing a sense of trust from my students, they know I have been in the field and do know what I am talking about. I am also learning their names and a little about them to make them feel a part of something important and big.
Hi Kerri,
Establishing your position within the classroom is very important so your point is well taken. Getting the students settled into the class and focused on what you are going to offer them in the coming weeks is critical to establishing an engaged group of learners.
Gary
In addition to giving a snapshot of my experience to the students, I elicit feedback as to what particular paths in the nursing arena that my students are most leaning towards, so I can tailor my lecturing even closer to their interests.
You are giving the students a better classroom environment if you introduce yourself and also have them introduce themselves. People like to feel at ease in the classroom and this is one way to break the ice. It also helps you to establish your "position" as the instructor.
Hi Kelly,
Good strategy for getting the course off to a good start. I use the same method and have had the same results as you. We all quickly have the names in our memory bank and this lets us interact more personally with each other since we can attach names with faces early on in the course.
Gary
I chose to hand out 'tent' folded cards and sharpies. Each student wrote their name on it (large enough that I could read it). I learned names and faces very quickly this way. Plus, my students (all adults) learned each others names quickly. One of them commented that she liked the way I had set it up as they were sick of introducing themselves!
The class begins with a clear understanding of what is expected. The syllabus is complete and I encourage questions about each section,to make sure there is no misunderstanding. The students will be given a copy to keep,and also a copy to sign to go in the school file. I also brief the students each week as to what to expect and what is expected of them. I also make them aware that pop quizzes are part of the curriculam.
I learned alot about teaching students in a structured way
I believe that this process aids students in feeling more comfortable with their surroundings. It also shows that they are stakeholders in the class. Perhaps it even reduces their inhibitions when speaking in the classroom.
Hi Laura,
You are right on with your efforts to engage the students and develop rapport with them. Thank you for sharing your strategy for learning their names promptly. As you know this is very important to students and start the rapport building process. This is a good reminder for new instructors. They need to work hard at learning student names quickly,plus the game you play with them helps to make it fun for both them and you.
Gary
I am a rather young (aged) instructor, I have found that a solid introduction of my self (as a physician - with the training that that entails) helps build rapport along with demonstrating my passion behind teaching. It also gives me an opportunity to find common ground with my students and I learn their names faster that way. I challenge my students that I will know everyone's name by the second or third class - they like to hold me to that! It show that I care about them as individuals.
Hi Dr. Meers!
I feel that by introducing myself and the students create more of a relaxed atmosphere, and give me a chance to get to know the students better. I remember when I was going to college, and if I felt comfortable around the teacher, I would not hesitate to ask questions and that really helped my grades a lot. Introductions break down that awkward barrier between you and a new acquaintance.
