Beginning Classroom Instruction
The first day of a new class, I always have my students introduce and give a short background on themselves and then they have to tell me why they are in my class as well as what their future goals are beyond their degree.
And then I share mine. :)
I do the same thing and it really helps me connect with their individual abilities and dreams and it takes very little time.
This helps me on multiple levels. It gives me an opportunity to learn and repeat student names; allows them to get to know me on a personal, but professional, level; and lets me know how I can relate the material to their experiences in life which helps for retention.
To have the students initially share who they are and where they are within their educational goals are a good starting point. And also to have reference back as the class develops.
At the beginning of each module, I layout the structure and organization of the class inculding rules. I also have students introduce themselves to the class (their name, the reason they joined the program, and future goals).
I spend time doing the same with my students. It really helps them to realize why they have chosen to be there, as well as understand why their classmates have chosen to be there.
I encourage them to share any background information that is pertinent to the particular course such as work experience/job shadowing/etc.
I also share what I have done with my degree and places it has taken me and doors it has opened, as well as how I became interested and 'broke into the field'.
Students respond well to real life strories and struggles I went through as a student and helps them realize I was in their shoes at one time, and haven't forgotten what it is like!
The opening a class is paramount to success on an educational and interpersonal level for students and instructors.
For various reasons, having students introduce themselves allows a peer-to-peer understanding, perspective and experiential linkages to take form. Additionally, it increases the ability to form networks which will far outlast the short education event.
Beyond the beginning of instruction, the ability to retain facts about the students experience allows the instructor to reference the points as part of instruction. This enables students to be active producers and receivers in the education process.
I think this is a great way to put a name with a face. I also do something somilar with my students.
Hi Bridget,
This method of opening a class is a great way to start the development of respect and rapport with students.
Gary
