I have used an idex card for me to gather data , but I also do round table introductions.
Thanks,
Tom
I would like to accomplish the following:
1. To let my students know me better and feel comfortable to communicate with me.
2. To know the background and level of my students so I can adjust my teaching accordingly.
Hi Sonia,
This is why introductions are so important. Even though the introductions are a lot of fun and generate some laughs along the way there are many things that can be learned from them. This helps you to form an idea of the composition of the class you are about to teach.
Gary
I get an idea of the types of learners I have in class. For example, if the majority of the students are taking the class to learn material that is going to be on a state accreditation exam, I'll know that I'll want to focus more on practical tidbits of info that will be likely to appear on such an exam; however, if the majority of the class consists of return/leisure students, I'll be more likely to focus on the theorhetial underpinnings of rules and regulations. Of course, there's often a mix of motivations, so the creativity comes into play when deciding how to make one type of info interesting to the other group. For example, when discussing theorhetical underpinnings/policies for rules (interesting to leisure/returning students), I would be careful to explain that understanding these make it easier to grasp the concrete rules that have been adopted and make the rules easier to remember (interesting for certification-seeking students.)
The goal of the class introductions from the students and instructors is to learn a bit from one another in hopes that you can build rapport with each other.
With the introductions you get to assess who is more serious or motivated about the course. It also allows everyone to share their backgrounds.
I usually have an "Introductions" forums where I introduce myself. The intent here is to portray my expertise in the field in a professional manner. I also request students to introduce themselves and their background. This helps me get a feel of the student audience.
When introducing yourslf to the students and vise versa, the process of breaking the ice is initiated. The instructor learns about the students background, academic goals, and career goals. The student learns about the instructors background, academic accomplishments, and teaching style.
A collaborative relationship is initiated and established as the foundation upon which the instructor/student relationship will be nurtured and grow throughout the course timeline.
Hi Michael,
By having this exchange of information between yourself and your students, both you and they can develop respect for each other. This sharing also establishes in the minds of your students that you are a professional that has the knowledge and skills to help them learn what they need to know to achieve their career goals. This is a very powerful message.
Gary
I enjoy the exchange of information with my students and believe it sets me in a different light afterwards. My students vary in age from 18 to about 60. Giving my background gives my students a sense of where I have been and what they themselves can accomplish while bringing us all together to work towards that common goal. It also allows me to know what they have done and more importantly what they hope to accomplish by attending my course.
In class introductions, I ask each student to highlight their work and educational backgrounds, describe their major areas of interest, and summarize what it is they expect to get from the course.
Based on their answers, potential synergies may surface among the students regarding similiarities in places of residence, academic institutions or industry/company experience.
An understanding of the students' backgrounds also allows me the opportunity to tailor the coursework to their areas of common interest.
I learn about the student, information that I then try to incorporate later on during the class to make a connection to the student on a one on one basis.
One thing I like is to learn about my students so I can get a sense of where they are coming from and what interests them.
I accomplish two things - first when I introduce myself and give some background information about myself (which books I have co-authored / edited / illustrated, what client projects I have worked on and am currently working on, etc.) I communicate my professionalism to the class (get a few ooohs and aahhs too) - second - I ask the students to say a few words about themselves - usually I write on the board "name" "where from" "why you chose this school" and "what you want to get out of it" so they have something to follow (and it's good for the shy and timid students) I also make note of what they say and use that in the future to integrate into the lessons and discussions (relating something in the class to something they had said or done which usually makes them smile or gets them engaged) as students usually like to talk about themselves and like to make an analogy about the topics and how it relates to them. I often draw a seating chart and write their names and notes on a paper until I memorize their names and information.
I like class introductions because it gives the students a chance to speak and be heard. I want the students to know that i care about them.
Hi Celia,
Great to hear. I always like to hear such stories. I start all of my classes with an ice breaker because they do so much to get everyone settled in and comfortable just as you mentioned. I wish you much teaching success as you use all of the various strategies you can to be an instructional delivery expert.
Gary
I am not directly answering this question, but I wanted to share my experience with a new class last night. I haven't been doing ice breakers for awhile in my classes, but last night I did one with a new class. And I just couldn't believe how much more comfortable and friendly, laughing and participative, everyone was after we spent half an hour on a simple ice breaker where we had to guess what was written on the paper taped to our backs.
Most people are resistant to doing ice breakers at the beginning but really do enjoy it. I'm so glad I relearned this lesson.
Hi David,
This is how you get students settled into the course and feeling comfortable. Introductions serve as such great ice breakers and respect developers for students and the instructor.
Gary
I like to introduce myself to the class and give them a brief outline of my professional career and all the different places my education took me. I then ask them to introduce themselves. What your name, where you are from, what program you are taking, and what your goals are when you graduate. This helps break the ice, give them more confidence in my background, and helps me know their ambitions. Sometimes we even end up discussing current trends in employment.
Hi Norma,
Good point. This gives you a starting point for approaching the students when visiting before or after class because you know a bit about them. This personal touch is valuable when developing rapport and respect with and among students.
Gary
I find that it breaks the ice as well as lets me know a little background on the students as well as allowing them to know a bit about my professional background.
