First Day
It is quite normal to be nervous about attending school even if you have attended another institution in the past and I try to remind students of that. It is often difficult to have an orientation for an individual class because most programs have accelerated courses that do not allow much time for students to get acquainted. I try to offer a "family" approach to my students on the first day. I explain that the relationship they have is much like a family and they can rely on each other. This usually helps them to get to know each other, and keep each other motivated.
I wish we had this possibility. I can always ask if this can be done at our institution.
Jason,
What a wonderful exercise! Sounds like a great deal of fun and also allows them to build relationships across majors.
Susan Backofen
I teach English, which is one of the only classes in which students from all cohorts can mingle, so I want my first-day activity to encourage interdepartmental discussion. What I do is give them a "test" the first few minutes, which they have to take with a partner who is not of their major, and I tell them they must come up with only one answer per question. The trick is that the "test" contains objective questions (e.g. "What is the definition of 'success'?" or "True or False: Coffee is God's gift to man. Give examples."). Then we go over the answers and discuss how they came to one conclusion. The results are always a lot of fun and works to build community.
I do the exact same thing Jeff. I remind my students about their education and experience also.
Scot,
This is one of my more memorable ice breakers as a students...we learned some very interesting information about the rest of the class that helped to break down barriers faster.
Susan Backofen
I absolutely love this idea. I try to learn all the names by the end of the second class, but it so much better to know their names before I even meet them.
I like to do icebreakers if I have time on the first day if I have time. More and more I am starting the first few minutes of class with a question for all of the class to answer so I can get to know them a little bit better. Like share something that someone who knows you well might not know about you, something along these lines that getting the students to open up and share more than just their name.
Victoria,
Great that you take pictures...do you use them in other ways as well?
Susan Backofen
I find that having the students introduce themselves to their respective classmates helps open up topics that many of them might find interesting such as commonalities.
We make sure key staff isin the lobby on the first day or two of class to greet the students. We have pictures so that we can remember their names. I think it really makes them feel at home if you know their name after just a few days, they seem to be more open and willing to talk.
Jeff,
Do you have a particular ice breaker that is most effective?
Susan Backofen
I like to use ice breakers to help the students feel more comfortable. I try to remind them that their education should be a fun and rewardinf experience....not just all work.
This is important on the first day to have students say their names and why they are there and tell all students they are great ideas and as teachers we are there to help their dreams come true and succeed. It takes commitment and hard work and with that out in the open they come back to learn.
On the first day, I like to start by telling the students about me, why i chose my profession and how and why I got into teaching. Then we go around the room and they tell a little about themselves. This seems to break the ice and they feel a little more comfortable with each other.
June ,
...and it breaks down barriers! This activity is one of my favorites.
Susan Backofen
I ask the students to think of something (not too sensitive) they believe no one knows about them. Then turn to the person next to them and discuss each others item for 5 minutes. I then have the best ones related to the whole class. It's fun and informative (for me too.)
June ,
I agree. Do you use specific strategies and activities for this?
Susan Backofen
It's beneficial to hold a get-to-know -your-neighbor moment on the first day. Emphasizing team work and helping each other seems to last the whole term.
I request to each student to introduce themself, and talk about their experiences so they lose the fear and the first day turn enjoyable.
