Day One
As an instructor it is always inportant to learn who your students are. The first day of class I tell the student about my personnal history which includes were i'm from, my educational background and most important my experience on the subject matter. each student then gives a short bio of themselves. A syllabus and calender is then given to each student and we discuss the course and the expectations for passing the course,
Hi Ronald,
You are right! In some cases, students are more nervous than the instructor. The syllabus is the road map to keep everything on point.
Patricia Scales
I also go over the syllabus the first and then give a brief history of myself we have to keep in mind that students are just as nurvious as we are on our first day.
Hi Gina,
It is always good when students feel comfortable with each other/know each other. Great bonds are established when relationships are built.
Patricia Scales
Hi Ted,
It is fine to let your students know about your professional background and some fitting personal things as well. Students need to know that we are human too, but always keep things professional and in good taste.
Patricia Scales
The students may know each other on a professional level, but they may not know other information that will create mutual respect about each other's background as it pertains to their jobs and/or education.
I always have the students share what they expect to gain from the course.
I usually go over the syllabus first and then give a brief history of myself (nothing that's not on LinkedIn) and then let each student introduce themselves, and tell everyone what they expect to get from the class.
Hi Lana,
This is a super activity to get students comfortable with their peers.
Patricia Scales
Hi Randy,
Great icebreaker and a super way to build relationships!
Patricia Scales
I do this as well. I also have students fill out an information sheet that tells me about them. I want to know what their expectations are of the course, what they want to learn, and any fears they might have. I also do a fun ice breaker activity that allows them to pair up. Students get to interview one another and then in a sit down, round table atmosphere, they introduce their partner. By the time class is over, everyone knows one another and is more comfortable.
Hi! I, too, share a bit about my background. Then, I have the students pair up and "interview" (really more of a conversation) one another. Subsequently , the members of each pair introduce each other to the class.
Hi Stephen,
I love your perspective! You really make your students feel a great sense of importance. I am sure your students are very comfortable with you and participating in class. You seem to really be personable, approachable, yet firm. You have what it takes to be an awesome instructor.
Patricia Scales
My message on Day One is that the "classroom is a safe environment". Students are nervous about what to expect from me and what they need to do to succeed. I emphasize that it is expected that all share in the discussion. No answer is a "dumb" answer. Anyone who attempts to belittle another student will be disciplined accordingly. What we say in the class, generally, will stay in the class. I emphasize the need to be part of the class discussion. It may be uncomfortable but I explain that, by engaging in growth activities that feel uncomfortable, one "expands his/her comfort zone". By listening, contributing and respecting the opinions of others the comfort zone expands and real growth occurs. It sets the tone that, for the remainder of the semester, students contributions will be valued, it is OK to make a mistake, and that we can all learn from each other. Decreasing anxiety in students is , to me the most crucial step in creating a learning environment.
I will be teaching a course for the first time but have worked with the upcoming class during clinical application for the last six months. I am struggling to create a fun "ice breaker" for the first day because the students know each other well and are familiar with me.
Hi Aaron,
Students need to know about our professional background, and it is okay to share personal pertinent information with them as well. This creates a bonding experience. Remember to not go too deep with personal information--keep it on the surface.
Patricia Scales
I use a similar approach during the very first contact hour of the course. I have found it to be helpful for making connections with the students later on to build raport and help focus on relevant teaching examples.
