getting to know your students
Getting to know your student can be difficult. Perhaps having all students write a breif essay on the first day of class discussing why they have chosing to come to yti will give the teacher a better idea of who and what kind of person there students really are.
Hi Becky - Thanks for your response. It's interesting how sometimes students are willing to share more personal information online than in person. Have a great week-end!
No, I teach in the classroom. But my student do most of their homework through online software. Our school wants us have the students send a test email from their school email address anyway, just to make sure it works. So I took the opportunity to learn a little bit more about them in the process.
Hi Becky - do you teach online? Susan
I send my students a welcome email and ask them a few questions about their experiences in previous math classes. I require all of the students to reply to my email as part of their first homework assignment. It serves two purposes: (1) I get a little bit of background information about my students, and can be more sensitive to their needs in class. (2) I can verify that they know how to use their email accounts to send and receive messages. So I know that I can get a hold of them that way, if I need to.
Hi Regina - I occasionally have students who refuse to share any personal information about themselves. I do ask them to share some info with me just so that I can get to know them. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I agree with having the student write a brief essay, but nothing to personal that they would feel embarrassed to present. I think a topic should be used to keep some type of control of areas in which they will write. The instructor would be able to learn personalities and whether or not this student will engage.
I created a "getting to know you" questionnaire that is passed out and completed in the first class of the semester. I read them thoroughly and keep them until the last class where I reflect on their growth and successes and add my own comments as positive reinforcement. Then they are returned to the students.
Getting to know students cannot be understated asking questions about themselves not only gets you know who they are but if you pay attention to how they speak you can began to know their litericy level
Jason, in my approach, I ask my sutdnets to answer a couple of questions at the beginning of each new class that will give me some information about their background, interest and learning approach. This helps me identifying and customizing my teaching techniques.
Hi Robert - Having your students tell you about themselves not only gives you information about them but also sets the basis for common ground with their classmates. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have each student tell me about themselves on the first day. I have a set of questions and every student is asked the same question. I find I often will get discussion from other students based on some of the answers.
Essay - might be a good idea, but i prefer a verbal introduction so the entire class can become familiar with them
Hi Jason- Thanks for your post to the forum. Since I teach primarily online, I must ask my students to give me some written information about themselves as that's the only way I can get to know them. If I am teaching on-ground I really make an effort to be at the class door before my student arrive to chat and also to hang with them on break and a bit after class. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
