This opportunity provides for learning more about students and their learning needs and styles, but also helps students feel more comfortable with their instructors. Sharing something about ourselves gives them a sense of who we are, where we've been, and what knowledge and expertise we bring to the classroom.
Dylan,
I limit the student introductions based upon class size. With smaller classes I ask students to respond to more questions about themselves. With larger classes I reduce the sharing to three main points so that the introductions don't last too long. With students that come in later I have them introduce themselves but not the other class members as I don't want to take that much time away from class since we have already covered the introductions in the first class meeting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Does the class size matter in introductions? Also, what about students who register late?
Yi,
Very important part of establishing rapport with students. Having knowledge of their instructor's background and career experiences helps them to see that they are being taught by someone that has the expertise to move them forward in their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
From the student's point of view, they get to know the instructor's experiences and background directly from the source itself, rather than from a pamphlet or third party. For the Instructor, this might be his/her first time meeting the student(s), and a chance to learn more about them.
Stephen,
This is the human side of being an instructor and it needs to start during the first class meeting. Your points are good ones about how we need to show respect for our students which in turn will lead to the development of rapport with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Many things are accomplished with instructor and student introductions. This is a great way for your students to get an insight on you and the woh, what, when, where, and why you are teaching. This is a time to show passion about your desire to teach and have people learn what it is you are instructing.
Introductions also allow students to interact and get some background information or the story of who they are and what they like. Many students mightfind the things that they have in common and start to build relationships that will last a long time. This will aslo give the instructor insight to each student and can make everyone feel comfortable.
Brian,
Thank you for this very informative list of the outcomes of a well planned introduction session. This time is so important for establishing the foundation upon which the course is going to operate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Introducing yourself can give the students some idea of the instructor's level of experience and is important for building rapport.
Student introductions can give the instructor an idea of alternative methods of instruction to use based on background and level of subject knowledge.
Student introductions are also great for students to get to know each other as they may find others with similar interests and hobbies. Introductions can also help alleviate concerns as students who aren't comfortable with the subject material might realize they're not alone.
Rhonda,
Good point and one that needs to be continually remembered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
yes it establishes rapport I agree however keep every thing at a professional level.
Jayne,
Good way to start an exchange of information and establish yourself as the learning leader while learning more about your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Giving my students a personal view of myself and my experience in the field which makes me qualified to be their instructor. I then can find out from them "why" they are pursuing this career & what their goals are.
Beth,
Thank you for sharing this experience with us. I know your comments will be helpful to other instructors that are just starting their teaching careers. We all have been there so we can relate to what you are saying.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I was so nervous the first time I was teaching I did not introduce myself at all I went right into the delivery of my course outline. I noticed immediately that I was losing interest of students and their body language was clear. I didn't want to lose this first impression so I stopped what I was doing and hit restart. I apologized for not introducing myself and admitted to my own nerves in a light hearted manner. They laughed and we discussed their first day nerves. I gave them an overview of my background and continued with what we needed to cover. They all seemed to perk up and definitely became more engaged! It was a quick save and fast lesson learned.
I am able to let students see who I am and why I can teach them the material. They can see that I have been a student as well, that I have worked through college, and that I take the bus as well. It also reduces the chances to get the excuses that some try to use, because I will tell them up front that I had to do a lot of the same things and I made it. It gives them something to strive for.
By introducing themselves to each other, they can see what other students are going through, that they are working hard to make it, and can find someone they can interact well with, which can make it a better learning environment for the teacher and student. These students will feel more closely linked to their fellow students and will work together to do well.
I enjoyed reading all of the replies to this question. I want to get to know each one of the students that way I can connect to them and they will learn better.
ditto,this will be one of my most sought after priorties in my learing phase,it is crucil to making them learn
Terry,
Passion for content and enthusiasm for teaching are two elements needed for student engagement. You are capturing their attention with you approach. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The students can get a general idea of my background experiences and the zeal I have for my field. I can learn about them and their experiences that also helps me with name recognition.
