The Importance of Icebreaker Activities
At the institution where I teach, it is required and expected of instructors to carry out icebreakers on the first day of class. These activities allow for students to open up about themselves, allow them to get settled into the class, and most importantly get familiar with the person teaching them. One particular assignment that I find useful in English Composition is to assign a short essay that describes the person's name, hobbies, family life, goals, and program of study. Not only do I get a chance to grade on proper essay format, but it gives me a chance to learn something extra from each of my students.
It is important to get to know the students past experiences in their new profession.
I incorporate icebreaker activities into the first day of class. I start by telling students that they will be taking their first test. After their initial shock, I explain that it's a test of what they perceive about me. I then ask them 10 questions that they have to guess the answers: what is my favorite pizza topping, my favorite tv show, etc. It gives them an opportunity to see me as a real person too, and seems to put us at ease. Some of the answers I get are funny, and that helps to ease any tension about the class.
I usually do a icebreaker activity at the begining of each term/semester to reaquaint students. I always randomize the groups they are in so they are forced to work with new people.
