Getting to Know Students
The first day of class I not only ask names and goals, but also ask them one specific question about themselves like:
1. What are your hobbies?
2. How did you get your name?
3. Who is your favorite uncle and why?
These things help me remember that person, and it helps me remember their names.
Hi Jolene,
Instructors are always looking for additional ice breakers to use in their classes. Thanks for sharing this one with us. I have used it myself and found that we have a lot of fun while learning much about each other.
Gary
As an icebreaker, I ask my students to participate in "two truths and a lie." I start by telling two truths about myself as well as one lie, then I ask them to tell me which one is the lie. For example, I share with them:
- I speak two languages.
- I have my pilot's license.
- I run marathons.
Some students get VERY creative! This exercise gives them an opportunity to "brag" (if they so choose) or expand upon an accomplishment of which they are proud.
Hi Cathy,
This is so important because this helps them to start see themselves as a part of the class. They start to see connections with other students through the introductions and thus a network is created for the duration of the course and maybe even longer.
Gary
I teach on-line, and I find that it is even more critical to allow students to introduce themselves.
Hi Rob,
You make a good point and it is great to hear how you are now looking at the "human side" of the teaching effort. This is so important in developing rapport and respect with students.
Gary
When I first began teachign I did not take the time to get to "know" the the students as that is not the way I was taught - after a few years of now teachign, I see the added value in getting to know the students as it helps you understand better their thoughts and concerns
This sounds great I will have to try this in my class. Thanks.
Hi Natasha,
This is a great activity that I am sure really sets the class up for success. Having fun, sharing a laugh and talking with each other helps to create comfortable environment for everyone.
Gary
My classes are usually anywhere from 10 - 22 people max. A great icebreaker I like to use on the first day of class is greeting them all at the front door as they come in and have them take paper from a roll of toilet paper. They all look at me strangely of course. I tell them to take as much as they want. Once class starts I talk about myself to loosen things up and than tell them for each square of paper they took they have to give me a fact about themselves. They all start laughing at the person who pretty much wrapped the paper around their hand 2 or 3 times!! It's fun and we learn a lot of random things about each other.
Hi Ron,
This is a great way to start a class. I like your last question as well because I am sure that the answers result in many laughs and interesting comments. This really sets the stage for the upcoming course.
Gary
I do something similar, but I have the students pair up and they introduce one another to the class. My trigger questions are
1) what program are you in and how far along are you
2) what do you do, work and play?
3) What do you really want to do, work and play?
4) something to remember you by?
The last question reveals the most fascinating items
