First Time Impression
As an automotive instructor I have an interesting course, service writing, because it is the only course that the students take here that really doesn't involve cars, but the people who own them. I am aware that this is a hard course to get the students motivated to care about so I am taking the approach that on the first day of the class I make sure that they are having fun, but the fun is really hitting on just how important this area is with todays customer. Bottom line, it creates a great first impression and really seems to get them excited about the course.
Cesia,
Like this activity because it lets them see their growth by comparing the goals they had at the beginning of the course and how much progress they made while in the course. This is a great motivator for students and helps them realize how much closer they are to their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I incorporate a skills questionnaire and ask that they write down what main goal/task they want to accomplish by the end of class. I then show them that same questionnaire when they finish the course. It's great to see their faces of accomplishments and confidence when they have succeeded in their goals.
Samantha,
Like your style in relation to winning over your students in a gen ed course. I teach such a course so I can really relate to the challenges of getting them to see the value of what you are offering and how they can make application of what they are learning to their other studies. When this happens it so exciting because the value of the gen ed course has suddenly shot up in their minds.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also teach general education courses at some schools where students are there for a specialized area. Often students see these courses are necessary but in their minds deem them not essential. My goal is to get them to see how the material present in the courses are applicable to their future careers and the work environment and often to life in general. When this is achieved, they become engaged making the process of sharing course materials, objectives, course content, syllabus, etc. much easier. I will often try to "win them over" during first day activities, discussions, games, etc.
Samantha Eaddy
Nnekia, This is great idea! I too am an instructor of psychology. I will definitely incorporate this in my class as an icebreaker.
Nnekia,
These kinds of activities are fun for the students and gets them to talking as you mention right from the beginning of the course. These activities also start your students thinking about the value they can get from the upcoming course and how the information will apply to their career area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As an instructor of Psychology, I enjoy using personality tests as ice breakers. Not only is it a great way to introduce future topics to be discussed in the course, but it is also a way to get to know the students. The tests usually spark great conversations which lay the ground work for future class discussions.
Charles,
Like your approach with this course. It is essential in their career development but not as highly valued as the applied courses. I teach such a course as well and my approach is like yours. I want to get them engaged and focused on the content in a way that will help them to see the value of the course as it applies to their total career development. We do have a lot of fun with the course and later they tell me how much they appreciate what they have learned and how it will be applied. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
