Introductions
I have found that introductions by the students places them at ease and allows some of them an opportunity to express themselves. Some are working in a similar occupation and this opens the door for further discussion on the importance of the class.
I agree with you on this one. I always like to take the time to have everyone in class introduce themselves. This also gives me the opportunity the ask the students questions about what they would like to get out of the class.
Hi Troy,
Something else that happens through introductions is that the other students get to know their classmates and this starts to develop a network for them that will be of use to them for their entire working lives.
Gary
Introductions is something that I always like to do in the very first class period. I believe that it creates a learning environment that fosters success, by allowing the students to first get to know one another. I see students doing better in school and staying the course when they have this support unit.
Hi Sunshine,
Good point about introductions. Do have any strategies to share that will help other instructors with how to handle introductions in an efficient manner?
Gary
I like to have the students go around the room and introduce themselves. If they have been in class together for awhile, I have them state one thing intersting about themselves that they have not shared with their classmates before.
Hi Cori,
What are the strategies for introductions that have worked best for you in the classroom?
Gary
Introductions are definitely a good way to help students relax and get to know me as their Instructor. It also provides a means for students to discover what they have in common with each other and to build new friendships.
Introductions to me not only help students get to know each other, but also helps me as an instructor have something to remember them by and to let me know how to plan my class. If they have experience in a certain part of our studies I can concentrate more on what areas they need to have covered.
Great point Troy...
Something I like to do that really lets the students get to know each other better and feel more comfortable with one another, is having them get in pairs and each student has to introduce the other. It breaks the ice a bit and we always have a good time doing it! The students take the time to really find out about the other student so when it comes time for them to introduce each other, they feel a sense of responsibility for one another.
I found that my introduction seems to make the students more relaxed. I like to find out about them next.
Hi Brian,
This effort helps to make you a "human" in the eyes of your students and starts the rapport development process.
Keep up the good work.
Gary
I have also seen that using this method, the instructor encourages each student to stand up in front of a class & not be shy of speaking. It takes away the scare of public speaking, especially, for those clases where lot of class presentations are required and grades depend on good presentations.
Hi Harinder,
Another method you can use to have students to make presentations is with a panel. Some students are so shy that they need many experiences before classes before they start to feel at ease. One way of helping them to develop confidence is to create panels. The panels can have 3-4 students where each presents 5 or so minutes on a part of a topic. All sit in front of the class but only speak during their time span. This really helps them to slowly develop confidence without sending them into panic. Also, this way their first few times of presenting they are not standing alone in front of the class but have several other students with them. At first you can have the panel members remain seated while presenting to reduce the fear level, then you can have them stand up and present as time goes on.
Gary
Since my 1st day in the classroom 3 years ago, I have always introduced myself, my qualifications, my certifications, and my work history, then gone around the room and asked what my students goals are, and where they're from, etc. I also make name placards for their seats so I can quickly learn their names. This has always worked well in setting a good tone for the class.
Hi Joseph,
You are doing the right things to make sure your students have a classroom setting that engages them in the learning process and keeps them feeling comfortable with what is going on. I commend you for your hard work.
Gary
I like having my students introduce themselves to myself and the class. It is a great ice breaker.
I found during intro's it breaks the ice and sets the tone and relaxes everbody.
