Opening remark on the first
What are some of the effective ways to brake the ice for the students on the first day of class?
Hi Daniel,
You can use different introductions methods that will help the students to get to know each other.
You can have them introduce themselves, where they are from, where they are in their program and some significant thing in their life they want to share. Instead of that question you can have they respond to what their career goals are or where they see themselves in 5 years. Students like to talk about themselves so responding to questions like those listed get them to talking easily. There are ice breaker games you can play like two truths and a lie. The students share with each other two facts about their lives and one thing that they just made up. This is always a lot of fun because the students enjoy trying to find out which one is not the truth. It is surprising what is the truth and what isn't. If the class is large you can pair the students up and do this and then have the other student tell about the student they interviewed and what they learned.
Hope these suggestions will be of help to you.
Gary
On the first day I try to use my enthusiasm for the subject and my passion for teaching to establish a raport with my students. I de-emphasise grades and try toget them to see our time together as a (cool)show and tell.
Hi Charles,
Way to go in setting the stage for an exciting and positive class. You are giving your students expectations with your excitement about the upcoming course. They can share in your excitement if they are willing to put forth the effort. Great job!
Gary
I also try hard to emphasize what we are going to learn as oppossed to the tests and grades. I also provide an ice breaker video at the very start right after making sure everyone is in the right class to truly "break the ice". This allows the class to understand right away that I am human and have a sense of humor!!!
Hi Tara,
Great way to start off a class. Laughter is a key ingredient to pull a class together and getting them settled into the format and pace of the class.
Gary
When I introduce myself, I mention something unique and interesting, such as "I used to be an opera singer." This usually surprises them and makes them laugh, and I note, if they're lucky, I'll sing a quick melody on the last day of class. This seems to let them know I'm human and willing to be goofy or even vulnerable to share this with them!
While in the military, many instructors would use jokes or anectodal stories to break the ice. Doing humorous or unique demonstrations was a great way to get a classes attention. Once, just before giving a "Don't Drink & Drive" lecture to a formation of Marines assembled in a parking lot waiting to be dismissed for a 4 day weekend, a 1st Lieutenant came speeding into the parking lot squealing tires and performing a hand brake turn before coming to a rest. As he stepped out of the vehicle, several beer cans fell out from his car door. He stumbled before the formation and began his lecture on the dangers of driving under the influence to the Marines. There was no doubt, that he had their full attention! While this may seem over the top, it was effective and there were no alcohol related incidents from any Marine in the battalion that weekend!
Hi Robert,
Yes, the method was graphic in that it had action, role playing, information and interaction all going at the same time but as you say there were no alcohol related incidents that weekend from anyone in the battalion. Message sent--message received. Teaching is sending a message and having the learners receive it, so the more involved we can get the senses the more retention of content there will be. Being creative is one of the fun parts of being a teacher because we get to use so many different delivery methods to get our message across.
Thanks for sharing this example with us.
Gary
I always open with an unusual day in the field. It helps open up the students who might be nervous, a self depricating story is usually the best.
