INTRODUCTIONS
ONE THING I ENJOY WHEN I GET A NEW CLASS IS GOING AROUND THE ROOM ASKING EACH STUDENT TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES AND TELL A LITTLE ABOUT THEMSELVES.AGE,WHERE THEY ARE FROM,MARRIED,ANY KIDS,WHAT BROUGHT THEM TO CHOOSE OUR SCHOOL ECT.IT IS A GREAT ICE BREAKER FOR MY FIRST DAY WITH THEM.
Hi John,
Thank you for sharing this example of the importance of introductions and connections. Building a network while a students is really valuable throughout one's career. Good way to get them started on this effort.
Gary
This method also worked well in a class concerning career development. One of the students offered to help connect another student to a potential job opportunity they knew about withom the students selective field.
John
I agree with that because it does break tension with other students and they can see that they are no the only ones.
My approach to introductions is slightly different than yours; students interview and introduce each other on the first day.
I ask each student to pair up with a classmate, introduce themselves and share one important (slightly personal) piece of information with each other. After 5 minutes of animated discussion each pair stands up and introduces their partner to the class.
It's pretty amazing how these first partnerships in class help forge bonds of trust between students...very cool!
