Get Your Students Hired
WHEN MEETING THE CLASS FOR THE FIRST TIME I FIND IT FUN TO GO AROUND THE CLASSROM ALLOW EACH STUDENT TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES,SAY WHERE THEY ARE FROM AND ASK WHT THEY CHOSE THIS CAREER.
GOOD Idea I'm going to try this with my next class just asking where there from how they got here why there here and starting whit the guy's in the back row nice should be fun
thanks all
Yeah , this also reminds the students that they all have something in common even with their different backrounds .
Hi Ed,
Cohort groups can present a challenge if you are an instructor that is starting this group in a new class. They have history and knowledge of each other. I find that if you have some activities that you use at the beginning of the class phase you can get a "feel" for the class and that will help you develop rapport and respect with this group.
Gary
Hi John,
What are some of the strategies you use to "draw" out the students during the time they are sharing their backgrounds and past experiences?
Gary
Hi Kirk,
That is a great step forward for you and your students. They are ready to go the first day since you all already know each other. That is the nice thing about programs that have a sequence that is taught by the same instructor over several phases.
Gary
Because our classes work and learn in the same area; I already know the students and they knowe me long before they get to my class.
Hi Melanie,
I am looking for general information about students, like work experiences and individual goals they may have for themselves in relation to my course. This helps me to be able to respond to student issues or concerns as they come up because I am aware of their goals for themselves and my course. I find that my goals as an instructor and the students' goals are in concert almost all of the time. If they are not I can focus on the few students that are on a different wave length and help them to succeed in my class.
Gary
What type of information do you collect on the handout and how do you utilize it later?
Hi Melvin,
When the students introduce themselves, what are some of the components of the introduction that you ask them to share in order for you to get to know them better?
Gary
I agree, I also have students introduce themselves and tell why they're in this class, what they expect. I also give them a handout to fill out with more detailed information to share at a later date.
Does anyone have a recommendation how the book "Tribes" and its activities can be adapted for adults?
You must set the enviroement the very first minute of the class. To do this takes experience and knowledge. You must have your rules posted and go over them with the students. Ask questions about the rules, give some illistrations and try to relate to the students in a way they will comperhend.
Icebrekers are an exelent way to establish a positive learning environment. I use one that deals with the emotional and social aspect is of the class.
If you look online you will find numerous icebreakers. Here's one I use.
I pass around a box with numbers in it, each student picks a random number. The numbers match questions in a powerpoint program I developed. The questions ask "what is your favorite band" "Favorite Chinese Food" Favorite Chain Food Restaurant" . . . things like that. They enjoy it and learn more about each other. It also helps me remember their names.
I also like to do this. Mainly for an ice breaker I do this after I have told them about myself.
Hi Walter,
Good comments. Get them interested, get them engaged, get them excited and you will have a good start to the class. Sounds like you are doing it all.
Gary