Meeting the Class for the First Time
When meeting my class for the first time, I feel it is very important that I share with with my students my professional experience outside of the 'teaching world'. This helps convey that I am an expert within my field. I also encourage my students to tell me about themselves - what they are hoping to get out of the class and what the aspire to do after obtaining their education.
I like to put the students at ease when meeting them initially. While it is important that students understand that there are expectations that are required of them, I also feel that in order to help them obtain those requirements, they need to feel that I am approachable for any topic they need to discuss and not have a fear of asking for help if needed. Breaking the ice, initially is very important in my opinion and sometimes that happens in different ways from class to class,
I agree with you, I tell them about myself and I ask why they are in the class and what they expect to get out of the class. I then explain that I am here to teach them that so that they will be prepared to take a national board that they must pass to start working in the field. So they understand that passing the class is not the ultimate goal, passing the boards is.....
I agree with your strategy. I also talk about myself outside the classroom and my FT job and professional experience as well as why I was drawn to teaching and reasons I enjoy both. I also enjoy getting to know my students through open conversations with each class and what has drawn them to the profession.
