Favorite things
I have my students tell the clas their favorite restaurants, foods, and types of cuisines. Some of them have similar likes and dislikes and it gets them engaged with each other and the topic of food. This is especially important on their first day when they don't know anyone and make a connection to another individual in the class as well as the instructor.
Michael--
All great questions and things that help them find common ground with each other.
Susan
Food: A favorite subject of hungry students. Great idea!
I did this one time and wrote the question on the board. I also asked each student to name the state or country they were born in and what was their favorite hobby. Interesting responses. Some students were so shy they could hardly speak however after a few weeks they were more comfortable with class.
Hi Brian, as I teach at a culinary college the question about a favorite food is a natural. I also ask them to tell me how they would prepare it and how they would bring it to an "up scale" appearance. Sort of like grandma's apple pie gets fancy. I ask them to tell the class about their plans for the future. I also ask them what are five things they want to learn from this class. I mention a little bit about myself and that as a former health inspector I want to teach them how to keep their business open after a health inspection.
I find the more they share, the more they seem to enjoy the class. I think it is all about assisting with building relationships.
Bob--
I likke your questions...they are things that are less personal and most people would be willing to talk about. After they begin and get to know each other a little better, additional information is easier to share.
Susan
I will pass out a form so that they can list their preference in music, cars (as we teach automotive here), how far they drive and from where. Sometimes I have even asked what their expections are for this class, I have received some very suprising answers on that.
I have them introduce themselves, and involve hobbies and interests, so they can find others with the same interests.
I like this idea. I usually have them write five things down about themsevels and then five positive attributes to discuss with the class.
I have used a hand out that asks certain questions such as type of vehicle they own or type of music they own. This is usually done in small groups and help to get students with common likes to meet other students.
I have them discuss their families, children, grandparents, and possbily how they arrive to school.
Lisa--
Interesting question which makes them get to the real issue of what they would like out of life. Great idea!
Susan
Great idea. This is something that I will try when the new set of classes start. Great way to get everyone comfortable and at ease working with each other.
This idea works well, and best of all: it can be varied to meet the demographic and/or class subject matter. For example, our school specializes in automotive & diesel technology; I often set aside a portion of the first day, after my own personal intro,to allow the students to discuss their personal auto/diesel preferences. I note this, and use it later as focus points during the course.
Great ideas. I have student introduce themselves by giving their name,program affliation and answering the question,"If money was not a issue, what would you do and where would you live?" I remind them that money should not inhibit but enhance their life. I use their responses to encourage them throughout the quarter.
This is a great idea. I also have a very diverse class and have engaged in topics like where are you from and what kind of food is typical of your country. The last time we had students from Korea, Honduras, Mexico, South Africa, etc. It makes for a great topic, definitely breaks the ice and gets students engaged, not to mention interested in each others customs and backgrounds.
