I feel that when I introduce myself to the students, they look for something that we may have in common. I think that when a student feels that they have something in common with their instructor they feel more open to communicate with them.
I also think giving a background of my experience and education also helps them to have faith in the fact that I know what I am talking about and can help them achieve their professional goals as well.
I agree. Having the students introduce themselves and give some information about their background is very important because I have used it as an opportunity to tell the student that some aspect of their previous personal or work experience will help them succeed in the class. I think students find this encouraging. Also, sometimes I learn that a particular student has a skill or experience that I can draw on for a successful start at a new skill. Many times students don't want to "go first," but if I can identify a student who is already somewhat comfortable with the activity, it can lead to an early success.
Instructor and Student Introductions really help me get students to open up about themselves. It also allows students to become comfortable with talking in front of the class because it is information that is about them so they don't have to worry about it being incorrect
Paula,
Good strategies. These are methods that will help the students get settled into the class and start the development of respect between you and the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think that it helps the students to see me as an individual, and helps me to connect to the class as we learn additional information about one another. I also feel like it is an "ice breaker" for the students as they learn about one another.
Brendon,
Good comments about how you can learn from listening to your students and the input they are giving. I like your approach of customizing your instruction based upon what you learn from the students. This way you are offering customized instruction to your current class of students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This helps me to gain credibilty in the students eyes based on work experience which I hope allows them to feel comfortable in asking me field related questions. The students introduction also helps as I can link lecture material to the interests expressed by the students
Jenna,
Very true. Mutual respect and development of rapport are two key ingredients to this process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It's all about relationship. If they start to get to know you and feel like you want to know them you gain instant credibility.
I agree. And, if the students feel at ease and connected to the teacher the students strive to perform better.
By a solid introduction about yourself you offer an opertunity to show you are human and paired with a good firts impresion build a base of contact with the students. Alowing time for students to introduce themselves alows them to shair with other students but offfer vital cluse to some of the students needs or expected outcomes. Together these two things build a repour for the instructor and students.
it definitely gives them a sense of belonging in the class. they are not just a face. they are the class!
Due to the practical nature of our progrm I always poll the students to find out what their areas of interest are and also what areas they are experienced in. This gives me an idea as to who I can count on to assist with the first round of teaching demonstrations and they also act as dialogue participants with regard to their areas of expertise.
By introducing yourself you let the students know you are human. They get a little spark of your personality and by them introducing themselves as the instructor right away you can pick out the quiet ones vs. the more interactive ones.
Lauren,
Thank you for these comments regarding "listening to" the student introductions. You are hearing a lot from them as they introduce themselves and share. There is a lot of understanding that can be taken from these sessions and applied to your instructional planning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The questions they ask me once I introduce myself give me some insight to their level of comprehension. Also the way they talk about themselves gives hints as to their learning styles and their motivations. Also, it can help you pick out troubled students early those who may start off saying its hard for them to get to school or that this is their second time taking this course, etc.
FARZANA,
Introductions start the development of respect and rapport for everyone. It is a two way street in terms of giving and receiving respect for what is being done in the course and the value associated with the content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Instructor and student introduction plays an important role. The sudents feel a connection between them and the instructor and so does the instructor.
Introductions allows for a slightly more relaxed and engaging atmosphere. We need to understand that everyone in the room, including the instructor is a person with a life outside those campus walls.
We can find out what makes each of us tick and thrive to encourage further growth through understanding, acceptance and support.
Students are extremely nervous when coming into the lab for the first time. This helps to break the ice and allows them to feel as though the instructor is approachable. They are more apt to ask questions when they aren't sure about something.
