First Class
I always play ice breakers to make students feel comfortable and get to know each other. Adults love them, too!
During the icebreaker part of the 1st day, I like to have the students interview each other and then introduce the student they interviewed. I have also had the students write down things about themselves that nobody would know and then the other students guess. It is a great way to break the ice and have fun at the same time.
Lamar,
So do I and I use them to start off a new course and get everyone talking and laughing with each other.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes, Ice breakers are GREAT! I love to use them during the first class. Easy way to get the students warmed up.
Lyndsie,
There are a number of websites that will give you ideas for ice breakers. I would suggest that you use team building exercises to get them thinking together about a common problem rather than just a repeat of introductions since they already know each other. You can put them into groups and give them some objects and ask them to build something, would be great if the object to be built relates to their field. Not sure of your field so this may not be possible. With my students I put them in groups of 3-4 and give them a ziplock bag of Leggos. Then I present a problem and have them create an object that solves that problem. For example I ask them to create a means of transportation to get around town that will be able to carry a cargo of small boxes. They build their miniature cars/trucks/"things" that will do such. Each group presents their object and how it is suppose to work. A lot of fun and brings out the creative nature of the students. This same exercise can be done in culinary arts, health care, etc.. The key is to get them to work together in a new way and not just rely on what they know about each other from previous classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The issue I am running in to in my group is that the students have been in the program with each other in prior semesters, and as the new comer, I am the outsider in need of an icebreaker! What are some fun activities I can try that are more focused on teacher introduction rather than student introduction?
Everett,
This is a good point about how to establish a learning community. You are setting up your classes in a way that promotes such a community and enables you to be the learning leader of the students. This you all can enjoy sharing content with each other as well as the life experiences each brings to the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This seems especially true in the "Cohort" setting. I can see a huge difference in the way my students are learning as they have become more comfortable with each other. Rather than it being a bunch of strangers in a room all looking at me (even when one of them is answering a question!) it turns into a group of people discussing information.
And that makes the teaching part much more enjoyable!
Philandria,
Yes, adults do. I use them to open all of my new classes and we have a lot of fun. Sets the stage for the upcoming class sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
