Ice Breacker
On the first day of class, I have found when students find out a little something about a fellow classmate(s), it seems to change the social climate of the class atmosphere from one of, say, cold, to one of social connections and relaxations. I am always looking for new ice breakers (i.e. a site where I can learn new ones). Would anyone share some of your first day of class ice breakers. Thanks!
Kelly,
This is a great ice breaker to use in starting off a new course. Activities like this help the students to get settled in and feeling comfortable with each other and you their learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always give a little information about myself but never too much. I've also used a roll of toilet paper and passed it around and asked the students to pull off how much they think will be needed. For each square of toilet paper I ask the students to tell one thing about themselves. It keeps them guessing as to what they are going to need toilet paper for, but also creates opportunity for those who are less likely to speak up to share something about themselves.
Theresa,
Getting them to see the value of what is being taught and how it will help them create a future for themselves helps to sell the content you are sharing with them. Gives them the ROI for their investment as students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Great idea, motivate the students through career potential is always a good key to helping them engage.
It is great to read about other instructors and their ice-breaking methods. Relating a career experience in a humorous way is a fun connection for the students to their future professional career.
on the first day I share my experience and background and ask the students to share their career goals, hopefully some of my experience and their goals match :)
David,
Stories like this are what gets students involved in the course and seeing how the content will be of value to them. In addition, they really like hearing stories from their instructors about what it was like when they were in the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By telling the students of a situation in your own career.But try to tell it in a way that will make it sound totally off the wall and funny is a great ice breaker.
Hugo,
This is a good way to help them make a connection between what they are studying and their future. The more of these examples you can share the more accurate picture they will have of the field they are preparing to enter.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
What I do is talk a little about my experiences, and show them what they might be looking forward to in there careers.
