How to engage students at the beginning of the course
You need to engage students at the beginning of the course to ensure that you will have an open and honest communication with all students to maximize their learning in the course. This can be done by dividing up the class and have them introduce each other to discuss what are their expectations of the course.
I like to go around the class and have them introduce themselves and tell why they choose the field/program that they are studying. This helps them to understand each other better and provides insight for me to know where each of them are coming from as far as background, work experience, maturity, motivation, etc.
I will attempt in my next class to get the adults to pair up. Then everyone will tell their partners a little something about themselves such as: name, job, hobbies and maybe likes and dislikes. Then one by one each student will introduce thier partner to the class. When I was a student an instructor did that and it proved to be a great icebreaker for the first day of class.
I think that is a great idea. It's often as an adult in a new setting to introduce yourself to people. Most adults have their friends and often times are closed off. Coming up with ways to break the ice and get them to open up early on is a great idea.
Hi Tammy,
Great idea! Students tend to enjoy PowerPoint presentations, especially all the nice graphics.
Patricia
I am going to try something different with my next class. I am going to introduce the syllabus as a PowerPoint presentation. Hopefully this will keep them engaged and it will be something different than the usual day one.
Hi Jennifer,
Great idea! I've seen instructors have students create name tents with their name and one unique thing about them. I like to introduce myself and tell about my educational credentials and the type of instructor I am.
Patricia
You could also have students create placement cards highlighting their names and values.
If you can establish a classroom where a free exchange of ideas is supported students will be more likely to share thoughts and feelings about the course.
I like this thought of at the beginning of the course to attempt to have an open and honest line of communication with students. I attempt to use humor to establish this line of communication with students. Once this has been established I have found that students open up more and trust you as their instructor and the information you provide to them.
