Meeting the class for the first time.
I teach in the medical field. When I meet my first class, I give them a little information about myself and why I got into this profession. I then ask each one of my new students to explain a little about themselves and why they chose this particular field to go into. It seems to break the ice and gives other students a chance to ask each other questions.
Andrew,
There is no excuse for not having clear information and expectations laid out for the students. Instructors need to make sure they work hard at making their expectations clear and concise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Great point. It surprises me to hear students talking about not knowing what is expected of them in some of their classes and the anxiety this brings. Students should know how to earn the number of points they need for their personal goal, what it will take to get there, and an idea of the time/effort needed.
This important step will set the success or failure of the course for the instructor and the students. The students need to understand what is expected of them, that they can succeed and that the instructor is dedicated to helping them meet their goals for the course.
Linh,
Welcome to teaching. I wish you much teaching success. By using an ice breaker you will be able to get a feel for the class, size up the dynamics of the students and get them settled into the routine of the class while they are feeling good and having fun. This will help with building your own confidence in how to manage the class and get it started correctly.
If I can be of any help or answer any questions please let me know.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
That's a great idea, to give an ice breaker for the class on the first day, even though we know all the students are there to learn the same thing. I have never taught before, this will be my first time teaching students next week in a clinical setting, so I hope that all goes well!
I think that this is a good way to learn a litte something about your students and their backgrounds. It will help you understand what situations they are coming from. It will also allow your students to know a little something about you and your experience in what you are teaching and hopefully make them feel very comfortable about what they will be learning from you.
I think this is a good idea. Not only does it break the ice, but it allows students to learn what they have in common with each other, which can lead to friendships, study groups, and eventually networking possibilities.
