I am getting to know my students as students and as people.
I am establishing with them that I know my subject and am passionate about it.
I am letting them know that yes, I am the instructor, but I am also a person that wants them to succeed as much as they want to succeed.
Landis
Through self introductin I confirm the student is in the correct class; by asking them their names and pronunciation I confirm they matter.
James,
The more you know about your students the better you can relate to them. This information also helps with the customizing of your instructional delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I learn the backgrounds of my students and how I can better give examples of processes and procedures that the students can relate to.
Nicole,
I think introductions and ice breakers are great ways to get students settled into a new course and feeling comfortable with their class mates. Once you have worked them through these activities you can then introduce the syllabus and get them to thinking about the upcoming course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree. It is beneficial to me as an instructor to have introductions. Even though our school prides itself on smaller class sizes, for many people, talking about themselves is still a little rattling. I share the fears and struggles I had while in school myself, a few tidbits about me and my interests and hopefully they will see me as just a person.Introductions also help a room full of strangers hear what they might have in common with each other.
Heather,
You are bringing the human factor into your teaching and student interactions. You have the experience and the knowledge that gives you the ability to earn the respect of your students while developing rapport with them. This sets up a great learning opportunity for the students as they move forward in their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it helps for my students to know who I am, what I have accomplished and where I stand acedemically and in the real life field. They need to know I am a professional in the field so I can give them a sense of confidence in who I am and my ability to teach them. I had a lot of instructors in the past that taught a class they had no real life experience in. Because I have had so many years in the field and for a long time was in the field and taught at the same time, I am able to give them actual encounters that relate to what I am teaching them. For myself as an instructor I want to know my students and what is going on in their lives. I want them to be engaged and sometimes you need to do that on a more personal level. Also when I take the time to get to know them personally, they know I care about their success.
Willie,
I agree. I enjoy introduction time when I start a new course. I am amazed each time I start a new course at the diverse experiences that my students have had prior to entering the class. I get to learn from them as they from me. This is a win win situation for me.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is a great way to learn about what is motivating students from the beginning. In turn, the students get to know the instructor better and feel more comfortable with them.
Jane,
This is such a great way to establish yourself as a learning leader. They learn they have an experienced professional that is going to be helping them move closer to their career goals. This is a powerful message to send.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel students get a feel for who you are as an instructor from your introductions. I like to include what brought me to this profession and where it has taken me. Some of the older students can relate and put them more at ease.
Gary,
Like this approach because it helps you to get a read on your students and move them from passive to active learners.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Student experience to judge how detailed I go on a subject. Who has ability to help me out in lab or classroom environment to reduce waiting for assistance.
I get to know more about the students or vice versa.
Robert,
I enjoy the first class meeting so much for the reasons you mention. Getting to know the students better and learning about their life experiences is always a lot of fun and amazing as well. I can't believe some of the experiences my students have had and hearing about them helps me to understand where they are coming from and what they hope to get out of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The mutual introductions at the beginning of the term have sometimes been real highlights. It helps to know the backgrounds and goals of our very diverse student body. If half of the students have lived abroad, or have some special background, it can make a difference.
Dina,
I like introductions as well because they are a fun time for everyone plus they help the students to get settled into the course. I am always amazed at how diverse my students are and they have experiences that are so interesting. When the introductions are completed I am excited about having the opportunity to learn more from them as I share my knowledge and expertise with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like doing introductions because it is somewhat of a forced icebreaker. Introducing myself, then asking each student to tell me 3 or 4 things about themselves, allows me to ask further questions and get to know them better. I usually try to tie questions in to their learning style, goals, or educational background, without them really being aware. This helps me to understand them better and prepare my lessons with all my students in mind.
Linda,
Your point about the sense of sharing that comes from students telling something about themselves is very important because it helps give them an identity in the class. They see who their classmates are and how they have all had different experiences so they see that everyone including themselves can become part of the learning community.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
