Icebreakers
Do you have issues with students not being willing or participate in Icebreakers at the beginning of class?
I agree, this is a great idea. I think students will have more respect for you as a person and not just an instructor as they find out your past and how you got to where you are today.
The way I like to break the ice with my students is I tell them what my life jurney has been till now and I would like them to do the same.
Yes, I always do some sort of icebreaker to start building rapport with my students.
I love this one. so often our students separate the instructor as someone who has made it, never struggled and this would be a great way to let them see how you progressed through your education and maybe some of the rocks in the road that you had to overcome
Hi Lisa,
Having an icebreaker that includes everyone is a sure way to get everyone involved and engaged. Super way to add engery to the classroom from students.
Patricia
I try to find icebreakers that doesn't allow the to not participate... It may be awkward for them initially however after they all participate it seems to open them up a bit.
I teach in an international military setting. Icebreakers are not normal for most of my students. I've found that once the students get over their initial reluctance they have fun with the icebreakers and usually ask for ideas to take the process home.
Hi Judy,
Super way to bond and to learn more about each other. I enjoy them as well.
Patricia
I love icebreakers. I actually do them more for my benefit than my students. Usually the activities I choose includes a lot of talking and moving around. By the end of it we all become very acquainted with eachother.
Hi Carl,
Icebreakers are nice. Students need a change. Super way to bond with each other.
Patricia
No. Students in my classes will participate, for a number of reasons. I have always tried to find the perfect icebreaker. However, I have found it more important to have some type than not. Your discussion reminded of this as well as reinforced it.
Hi Tara,
Icebreakers cause people to have a certain comfort level with each other. What a great way to learn about your classmates.
Patricia
Great suggestion Warren! I believe icebreakers are necessary no matter what size the class is...makes everyone connect on a personal level which usually helps the class overall run a bit more efficient.
I would get students on their very first day of their first quarter at school. Very quiet. I would tell them that since I have 20+ student names to remember they would have the same requirement the next day, they need to know each other because the curriculum required them to work in teams throughout the quarter. After introducing myself I would have each student briefly talk about their background and their goals after graduation. The fun part came during the first break when they would all be asking each other all kinds of questions about their background that they heard each other talk about: where did you say you went to school, what kind of work did you say you do, I know so-and-so that went to your school, do you know them???? Great way to break the ice with a group of strangers. Always worked because I would call on one student the next day to point out who each student was as I called their name for attendance. Made me work harder to at remembering the names too.
Hi Ryan,
No. My students willingly participate because they know they will lose points for their participation percentage. You may want to add a 5% participation grade to encourage participation.
Patricia
Hi Shannon,
Any icebreaker would be fine, aim from the direction that I need to get to know you better, you as students already know each other. Have each student ask you 1-2 questions of their choice, but still allow the student to introduce themselves.
Patricia
I will be starting a class next semester in which all the students know eachother... Since I'm a new instructor, I plan to do an icebreaker of some sort, however,the ice has already been "broken" as far as the students go. I do want to get them familiar with me, so I wonder if anyone may have suggestions for icebreaker activities for this situation?
I have no issues getting students to comply regarding icebreakers. They seem to like them actually. Often my students tend to loosen-up and become sociable with each other, sometimes comparing results. The classroom atmosphere is then less tense for everyone involved.
