Meeting Class For First Time
First impressions are very important, that is why as instructors we must do everything possible to present ourselves in a positive light from the get go. I like to tell the students about myself and have them share a little something about themselves. By doing this and getting a bit more familiar, everyone benefits by feeling more comfortable in the learning environment.
Martin,
Good question and one best answered by sharing your professional background and what personal information you want your students to know. The shared personal information can be kept very general such as where the section of the city you live in and that you are a fan of a certain team or enjoy a certain hobby. That is where I would leave it. If you care to you can share more as the course progresses.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I really enjoy doing this, but I always wonder how much of myself to reveal. It can be difficult to straddle the line between being a friend, rather than a pal with students.
Brad,
There is no clear cut answer to this as I think it depends on the individual preference of each student. I use an ice breaker that is fun and low in stress so all of my students really enjoy getting to know each other and introducing themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Do you think that going around the class and having the students introduce themselves can be very nerve racking for them? I used to hate when teachers did that.
Alina,
This comfortable and interactive method enables the students to get settled into the course and feeling comfortable with each other as well as you. Then you can start the building of respect for each other and helping them learn the required content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
