I am doing this more and more lately to get a better feel of what the students' level of knowledge (for that subject is): give them a "survey" during the first class - which is formatted like a test. While some may get scared by this, I do my best to tell them it's not graded and I only need it to see how much they know. Then I analyze their results and modify my class content.
It is important to familiarize one's self with the type of students one will be instructing. I have each stuudent write their personal data on a 3X5 including hobbies. It helps break the ice, so to speak. They introduce themselves to each other, and I follow with a brief history of my career and what I expect from them. It helps to have a brief idea of what the students expect from my course and what I expect from them.
Kim, bravo, for being in a safe environment for learning. They too can be successful. Love how you think and encourage the students to work together. Keep up the good work.
I think the students really want to see an example of success within the field that they are beginning to study and as I share my past experiences within the industry and my background it relaxes them to begin to share their experences and what they hope to accomplish by taking the course work being offered. I share with them that the work that they are beginning happens within the framwork of a community of others, so working together is extremely important. They begin to understand team work and getting to know one another. It makes for a real positive environment as the students come to work with one another.
Hi Stanley,
Good way to create that important connection that is needed for the development of rapport.
Gary
By responding to each student's self-portrait, I can begin to set up some sort of personal link to each one
I believe the introductions help to set the environment. Many students like to hear what about their classmates and maybe some of the information allows them to become more in tune to the class. They will be able to relate to their peers and share each others fears and concerns.
It gives the opportunity for the student to know just a small portion of information that will allow them to start a therapeutic relationship in the future or maybe stimulate the student to ask them to be a study partner.
Hi Jacqueline,
I like your method of having the students write about why they chose the profession. This gets them to settle into the course and express their career aspirations in writing. This brings clarity to their efforts.
Gary
I like to have students first introduce themselves - and I always ask 3 questions:
What is your name?
Where are you from?
What would you like to get out of the class?
This helps me to know their name, find out if they just moved to the area or live far away (great for students to see where they drive in from for carpooling) and most importantly - What they would like to learn from me and from the class. It sets up a framework for expectations for me and for them.
Another way for students to introduce themselves is by partnering them with someone they are not familiar with. They can spend 5 minutes getting to know their partner and then they can introduce their partner to the class. For example, telling the class something interesting about their partner, where they are from, why they chose this career path ect. It is sometimes easier to talk about others than to talk about yourself.
Gilbert,
I find this is also a great way to help the instructor put "names with faces" because I find it is easier to remember someone's name if I can associate something unique with them. To help keep the students on-track and keep the exercise less time-consumming with larger groups, asking them to say just one thing about their background or just one thing about what they hope to get out of the course also works well.
I introduce myself and tell them a little about my back ground. I have each student introduce themselves and tell why they have chose the course. I also assign the first assignment where they have to write a paragraph on why they chose the profession and present it to the class. I think if help them get over the fear within the class.
Hi Ellen,
Good way to use the instructional time in a class that is just beginning as a learning time for you. By listening and observing your students' responses you can determine what kind of supports they are going to need to get the class started. The example you shared is a good way to illustrate what you are talking about.
Gary
Hi Gladine,
Good comments about how to introduce yourself to the class. One of your points is very important for we instructors to understand and that is students talk. The put the word out in terms of what kind of teacher you are. So students coming into your class may have a preconceived idea about your instructional style. It is up to you to reinforce that reputation or change it depending on how you feel you are perceived.
Gary
When i do my Instructor and Student introductions, I try to let them know who I am, what my experience has been and how long I have been in the profession. I in turn try to understand why they are taking this course and some insight into who they are. This helps me to see who I am dealing with. Generally if students are taking a course for financial security it shows that the true intrest is not in what will vbe learned but moreon how can they finish and achieve their goal of financial stability. I appreciate people who are honest and the true love for profession will ensure that the student works more enthusiastically to achieve a desire or drive they have for that profession. Knowing a little about their personal lives also helps in understanding if a student is struggling and ways you may guide them in the right way to get any outside help to ensure their completion. My introduction will also tell them that I have been in the profession and I bring on the job experience that could benefit their studies.
Sharing introductions helps create cmaradrie among the students and creates a feeling of belonging. Additionally one discovers each students personality and some information may aid in designing classroom activities--for instance if there are many second language speakers it may help to emphasize key terms and vocabulary at the beginning of each chapter.
When you introduce yourself and other students in the class, you are setting the students more at ease. You are making yourself seem more "Human" and more approachable. You have the opportunity to learn something about your students,goals, dreams and what they expect from the class and the instructor. Letting them know that you are qualified and have experience in the field is important as it helps establish a rapport. The students need to know that you can help them achieve their goals and you have the knowledge that they want and you are willing to pass it along. Sometimes an instructor's reputation can be "Tough" and the right introduction can break that barrier and make the student more comfortable and confident in class.
Creating a positive learning environment.
Hi Robb,
Right you are. Rapport does so much to help the students relate to the instructor and see the end results of their study efforts. They get a vision of what their future can be as a result having a relationship with a professional educator and role model.
Gary
Students begin to relax in the class environment.
