when we introduce ourselves and ask the students to do the same, we are "setting the table" for student learning - setting them at ease, building rapport, developing a cohort, etc.
You are letting them know you better and you are finding out more about them. This creates an extra connection or bond which is healthy. It helps you establish a rapport with your class and builds trust and respect.
I have noticed that the students appear more relaxed with me and with each other. This will allow friendships to develop, study groups to form and the possibility of building long term relationships.
Hi Diane,
Being approachable is important for teaching success. You are doing this the way you open up new classes. Also, the students learn that you have had extensive experience in the field so they are going to learn from a person that knows what she is talking about.
Gary
I think that introductions are important to create unity in the classroom. As the instructor, I learn about my student's background and also about their career motives.
When I introduce myself to the students, I turn into a normal person, not someone to fear. I then become more approachable.
I like doing that with my class. I go around the room and I have them introduce themselves and tell me in one or two sentences something about themselves and what they expect to get out of the class.Then, I tell them something about myself and my career. I find that it breaks the ice as well as lets me know a little background on the students. From the way they answer, I can usually get a sense of their personally and how they will behave in class.
By introducing myself it gives the students an idea of who I am and where I am coming from. By the students introducing themselves it gives the instructor an idea of what challenges, strenghtens and accomplishments each student has encountered in their lives.
I think it makes the students feel a bit more at ease by knowing a little about myself. Perhaps an anecdote from a previous experience helps to set the stage for student participation
Hi Thomas,
With this approach I am sure that you will develop a comfortable setting for the students and start the rapport development process. As you well know these introductions and a positive first class meeting goes a long way in developing a motivated class.
Gary
Through instructor/ student introductions, I am developing a sense of friendly yet proffessional atmoshere as well as showing them that I care about their educational goals and also by learning their names, I hope to motivate them to participate freely.
Hi Thomas,
Good strategy. This is so important in the health care industry. If you are student centered in your instruction you will be helping the students to be patient centered when they are in the work world.
Gary
I try to share with my nursing students that they are taking care of real people who are watching what they are doing. The patients are reassured when the nurse can relate in some fashion to the patient's life outside the hospital setting. So I use the introduction information to model for the students by tying topics and activities back to their own lives.
First of all you start creating a relationship, where we can better understand what is expected from each other.
Hi David,
This approach helps the students to see you in a more holistic frame. By knowing you have had extensive experience in the field plus a life outside of the classroom the students can see how they themselves can have a balanced life if they are willing to invest in themselves through hardwork and study.
Gary
I am affirming my qualifications by telling them my background. On the other hand, by giving them a little personal information about myself (kids, married, hobbies...), I am showing them that I am human just like they are. When they introduce themselves I am able to get an initial look at someone's personality, and hopefully some insight into their goals.
I am identifying personalities, potential language barriors, which students are shy, which are fearless...
Also, based on what is said in the introductions, I may be able to identify skill sets and passions.
Hi Nancy,
You are right about how important the sharing of information really is for students and instructors. Through sharing there is a connection created that will carry throughout the course and beyond. Helps students to see the human factor in their preparation efforts.
Gary
Hi Anjali,
This helps give the students a connection between you and them. Rapport is a powerful motivator for students because they know you care about their success.
Gary
First of all, by giving my students background information on myself, I am reassuring them as to my qualifications to teach the class, and I am presenting myself also on a more personal level, not just a figure in the front of the room. Secondly, when students give some background information about themselves, it serves two purposes. It gives me more information as to who I am teaching, in terms of their level of education and their experience out in the work world. It also gives students a clue as to who they are sharing the classroom with, in terms of who their peer are and where they are coming from. It creates a bonding experience among all the particiapants in the classroom.
Teacher gets to know the cultural background of each student, including strengths, motivations, limitations, and goals. Students get to know the teacher, her qualifications, experiences, expectations, points of personal common interest, and sense of trust. Students get to know each other, common histories, common goals, and personality types. This is particularly meaningful when many students are from out-of-town and are looking to create new bonds of friendship and support.
