Thomas,
It also provides the rest of the class with some reinforcement that everyone brings something unique to the class and helps them build some relationships among themselves. Great tactic!
Susan Backofen
i do this to in my classes i ask them to tell me something that people dont know about them. It just makes them feel like thoer special
Dayna,
How true! It is so important for students to realize they are not alone and have much more in common with their peers than they think.
Susan Backofen
That I find to be a good practice at Orientation. Once you know that I'm not the only one here that haven't gone to school in years, or hey she has 2 children just like me, you start to get a feel for everyone. Also allowing for study group time in class also helps student to get to know each other and gives them a sense of how can I study with on a regular basis.
Yes , the first day can be a little nerve wrecking even for my self . The school where I teach gives us pictures of our students a day or a few days before teaching them . It helps me out with remembering their names and making them feel like I kind of know them
sheryl,
Wow! That would so impress me to have someone greet me the first day by name!
Susan Backofen
Common ground is always a good thing to look for, especially since we mostly deal with non-traditional students, who may feel as though they're the only person like them at our school ("I'm the only single mom/person over 40/person changing careers/etc").
We instructors receive photos of our new students. I ask to have photos in advance so that I can learn their names previous to the first day. The students seem to appreciate that I took the time to know their names immediately. It makes them more comfortable,as if I know them already.
I agree. I also like to engage students on their 1st day of school. I always like to give them a little present that they will use throughout their course with me. I purchase colored assorted composition books & its so interesting to see the colors that they choose, this already engages conversation between the students. I tell them to keep it handy because they will be using this to enter their visual outlines and business plans throughout the course. I also like to break the ice by talking about myself & how I got to becoming an instructor, they I do the same with each student and get their on personal perspective on what they wish to gain from my course, write it down and ensure that I every student has their criteria met.
I think activities that help find common ground between new students helps them begin these new relationships. It is also a great way to lighten the atmosphere and ease some of the nerves as well. Laughing is always good.
I think ice-breaker type games are a great way for each student to begin to become familiar with not only their peers but also with me as their instructor.
They begin to see how I interact with everyone and try to relate my lifes experiences to many of theirs.
I like this team approach as well. I teach a hands on course in massage therapy. We need each other to be successful. With full commitment to supporting each other, we build trust, responsible behavior, and success.
I often try to include a team approach to the first day. Introductions from myself to all,and to each other. We are all in this together seems to help unite the effort.
I think something like small talk goes a long way. Some tips are asking the student if they are excited, where they are from, etc. As a former student it was nice being acknowledged.
I try to make students feel that they will be successful.
I usually play get to know games that always include facts about each student and laughter.
