First Class Meeting -
In the first class meeting, I ask each student to partner with another student. I provide a list of 10 general questions about an individual's personality, likes or dislikes. The partners take the questions and interview each other. I then ask the interviewer to take the 5 most interesting things about the interviewee. Then, I ask the interviewer to introduce their partner to class using the answers and interaction with their partner. This forum allows me and the class to better understand each other and to reduce first day anxiety in class. The method further enforces name recognition and networking opportunities.
Hi Carolyn,
I can see how students get this concept. It makes perfect sense, and the students can really visualize this.
Patricia
I reinforce this concept in 2 ways the first day of class...I inform my medical students that the patient is the center(hub)of this imaginary wheel and each spoke of the wheel represents a specific discipline (Doctor, Nurse, PT, ST, OT, Social Worker, etc.)all working together (teamwork) to care for the patient's well-being, safety, etc.
I then explain to my students the likeness/similarity re: each of them as the hub of the wheel and each of their instructors, disciplines of the administration, etc. as the individual spokes all coming together to provide a quality education to prepare each of them for their careers. They really get the concept!
Thank you, Patricia. I decided to do this when it was done to me, actually.
The school I teach at, year after year, is listed as one of our state's Best Places to Work. There are many reasons - one of which is the its faculty development policy.
At the start of one two-day faculty development seminar that seemed a little daunting, the leader asked us to do this exercise (there were about 100 of us). By the time the last person shared, there was a palpable change in the sense of
'togetherness'; the sense that we needed one another to accomplish the goals we had as individuals. We then started the seminar with an entirely different attitude.
Again, since my classes are hands-on and goal oriented, I felt it very appropriate.
I'm so glad it energized you and glad I could share!
Hi April,
I love it how you set the tone of the class from Day 1. The tone is one that is very happy, geniune, motivating, and encouraging. Great psychological approach. The response energized me.
Patricia
During my first class' meeting, I give a brief introduction about myself and the course. Next, I ask each student to introduce themselves to the class with their name and one good thing that has happened to them in the last two or three weeks.
I do not let anyone of the hook - everyone must think of something good that happened to them. Even those who try to duck are eventually able to come up with something. "Good" things that students share range from spectacular to everyday - but somehow they are all special.
It has been my experience that classmates respond with genuine happiness for each student. By the last student, we have set up an environment of acceptance and happiness for other's success. It sets a tone of wanting to see themselves and others succeed. I teach hands on, teamwork-driven classes, so this is really helps.
After this exercise, I delve into the details of the course, my experience and what I have to offer them as an instructor. The mood in the room is always remarkably different when we get to that stage.
Hi Lori,
I like how you start off firm and lay your ground rules from the very beginning. You let your students know up front that you mean business, then they get to see a lighter side of you a little later.
Patricia
I introduce myself by telling them a little about my education and career, and then I allow them to ask me questions before I ask them to introduce themselves. I also give them a short peer profile sheet to interview at least two other people in the class. They choose a partner and introdue their partner to the class.
For my first class meeting I welcome them and introduce myself. I usually start right off with information about the class and my requirements and policies. I find this let's them know that I take control of the classroom. They know what to expect and no surprises!!!
Then I do a ice-breaker for fun and away to get to know each other and just have fun the rest of the class period.
I like that that Ice Breaker. I thought of first to have the students write their names on an index card along with other information like telephone number etc. Then break the ice with writing their first assignment to be which is to memorize the phrase I sing to my dogs. And the end of the class tell them that I was kidding let them laugh at that and tell them to relax. :)
Hi Karen,
Great ice breaker! I like your tweaks to the idea.
Patricia
I think that this is an excellent way to "break the ice!" I think that I will borrow from it for my students' second out of five terms and have them pair up with someone they were not close to last term. I also think I will give a small prize to the person who comes up with something of significant or profound knowledge and I think I will have the students vote on who wins!!!
Hi Jennifer,
I talk to them about isolating themselves and the importance of team work in the workplace.
Patricia
What do you do when a student pulls away, doesn't want to feel as part of the team? How do you GET THEM to become a part?
I have found a great success with this ice breaker : I hand out a large index card and have them fold it in half by width not length ==on the outside of the unlined card I ask them to write their first name and last initial in large print and on the back of it draw the people,or things that are their motivators in their life --then on the inside of the lined side --I ask them to write the 3 goals they have for the class and on the other side directly across how they plan to reach these goals --then we discuss what they have done Mary
Hi Robert,
What do you typically do at your first class meeting? I like to have students introduce themselves with a unique adjective beginning with the first letter of their name, i.e. Positive Patricia.
Patricia
Kenny thanks, good idea. I will try this next week.
Hi Marie,
Students are no doubt the most important people in the building. I live by this...students first, institution second, and employees are last.
Patricia
Class introductions work best for me. I like to have the students ask me any questions about my education and career.
I do this in my classes frequently, but I usually partner up the students myself. I get my students after they've had classes together,and most of them have buddied up with someone they are comfortable with already. By partnering them up myself, I feel this allows them to engage and understand a different member of the class.
