First impressions are key. Like the module stated, you create a bond with your students. It is actually interesting to find out what kind of life students have outside of the classroom too.
Hi Vanessa,
Good point about how to keep the motivation level up for students that you have over several courses. You are building on the knowledge you have about them more in each new course. This is a great way to earn their respect and establish rapport.
Gary
Hi Debra,
This is a mutual effort and exchange of information. This really helps with the development of respect and rapport with students.
Gary
I use personal and student introductions the first day of class with a new group of students. However, I get these same students several terms during the time at our school. Subsequent terms, I usually find out how the past terms were and give the students a "pre-test" of what they've learned in the past courses. Seems to keep them motivated.
Vanessa
My students learn that I am human and face the same challenges they do; and I learn what stumbling blocks they may encounter which helps me to tailor my class content a bit better.
Knowing about the instructor and each student help build the iniral part of the student-instructor relationship, which is vital to learning.
Not only do I learn the name of the student, but I learn a little something about that student that can help me retain that new student. It also seems to help ease the new students in the classroom as they are getting to know one another.
Hi John,
Well said. Thank you for sharing this approach with us. Your last statement is true for many of us. Even when students don't try we still feel sad when one of them fails. By setting the stage the way you do you are giving them the opportunity to be successful. They are going to have to work to fail based upon the supports you are giving them.
Gary
Introduction is the best way to break the ice. I lead by example, I will introduce myself then say a few things about why I chose the field I am in and maybe a fun little fact about myself. After that is finished the feel of the classroom is a little more relaxed, they see from my introduction that I am a human with a sense of humor and not just some stuffy instructor.
When I have the students respond by presenting something, I get to hear the things that are most important to them. I also learn about their approach to learning and what that may indicate for their experience in the class.
By learning about my students, their experiences and background, I am able to tailor my examples to make the course content more interesting and relevant.
My students are able to get to know me better and I am able to learn their names and get to know them better.
I am able to take this information and use as examples later for career goals.
We are learning each others' names, and putting names with faces. Also, they are learning a little bit about me & my experience, thus giving me credibility as their instructor. I am learning a little bit about each student, and can find "common ground" so I can "bond" with them. The students are learning about each other and can become acquainted and more relaxed as a class.
I teach for a career college. Most of my students are non-traditional, single parent, fulltime employed, never been to college, and wanting to become better employed. For my introduction, I find that my students want to know just three things about me:
1. That I know what I'm talking about.
2. That I can teach the material in a way they'll understand.
3. That I'll be fair in the way I grade.
What they don't usually know to ask but I still need to tell them is:
1. That the course material has relevance both to their other coursework and to their future job.
2. That they can succeed in the course if they will ...
3. That I am approachable and want to see them succeed.
I never tell my students this because some would take advantage of it, but I believe that every student who fails one of my courses is, in part, my failure. I want to set the tone the first day for success for every student. My introduction is my first opportunity to do so.
I like to do introductions and play "get to know you " games so that people are able to relate to each other and find things in common. I also try to find something I have in common with each student, whether it be a TV show or activity, and talk about it.
By introducing yourself to the students, you are able to build rapport with them. When they see that you have shared some of the experiences that they have, they will feel less intimidated. As teachers we also learn from student introductions. From a students intro we can access their background and learning styles.
By introducing myself, students become comfortable in two ways: first, they find me more credible--if they know something about my professional self, they are more confident that I can, in fact, teach them effectively. Also, adding a personal note about myself--that human touch--makes me seem more approachable and willing to communicate with them if they ever need assistance.
I always have students tell a little bit about themselves to me and the class. It does help me remember their names, but it's also a good way to break the ice and make everyone more comfortable.
you are establishing rapport with the students and breaking the ice. I always tell the students of my interests outside of the classroom and about my family. This helps the students to relate to me and to see me as a person and not just a professor.
Hi Shelle,
Good strategy. This gives understanding from both perspectives and should lead to the enhanced development of rapport.
Gary
When I teach a class of students I have never had before, I do a quick, four question personality quiz. This quiz will allow the students to understand my personality type, which is straight and to the point, but it will also allow me to understand THEIR personality type as well. Knowing this helps me treat them the way THEY want to be treated, and not treating them the way I want to be treated. There is a big difference!
Shelle Ridings
