PROPER INTRODUCTIONS
When meeting the class for the first time, I like to distribute note cards. On the front, I ask the students to provide general information about themselves: Name, Program of Study, Address, 2 Valid Phone Numbers and Alternative Contact Information. On the other side of the card, I ask the students to write down their expectations from the class. Afterwards, I collect the cards randomly and call out each student to allow him or her an opportunity to introduce himself or herself. I ask them to answer the following questions: Why are you here? Which degree are you pursuing? What do you plan on doing with your education? Who or what motivates you? Finally, I introduce myself in the same way. This has proven to be a great icebreaker.
This sounds liked a worthwhile activity. However, there may be HIPAA issues with the address, phone, e-mail, etc. Some students may have a Protection from Abuse Order and not want this information disseminated; others may be sensitive about the fact that they're sleeping in their cars. I would stick with name, course expectations, career goals, hobbies, etc.
FRANCES,
Big fan of ice breakers and use them to start each of my new classes. They are fun as you know and give the students time to get settled into the class and comfortable with each other.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
FRANCES,
My school uses Blackboard so I have access to their email addresses and phone numbers so this has never been a problem. I can understand them not wanting to share such information in certain settings. The key is to earn their trust and respect and help them to see that they can share this information with you and you alone if that is their wish.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ice breakers are great especially if students have an activity to accomplish related to commonality. Thanks for the ideas in this thread!
Have you ever had students not want their Email addresses or phone numbers not verbalized to entire class for privacy reasons, seems some students would probably object?
Krista,
Thank you for sharing this ice breaker with us. I think it is a great one for getting students familiar with each other and settled into the course. Not to mention is fun and sharing a laugh with other students goes a long way in helping each student to feel a part of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I can always see how nervous my students are on the first day so I like to start with light-hearted introductions. I put them in groups of 5 and have them come up with one item that they would bring with them to a desert island that starts with the first letter of their name. The group should work together to make sure they have a good variety of food, beverage, entertainment etc. within their "tribe" of 5. I then have everyone as a class go through and tell their name and their object one person at a time and each person has to repeat the name and object of the person sitting next to them. It not only helps people relax as they chat with others, but helps me learn their names
Rob,
It does keep their attention for sure because they never know who might be next.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I really like the randomization of the cards here. It helps to keep the students on their toes, rather than tuning out and waiting for their turn to speak.
Michele,
This is a comfortable and informal way to get to know a new class of students. Ice breakers like this help the students to get settled in and learn about how the class will operate as well as who their classmates are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
