First Day "Getting to Know One Another"
On the first day, I spend a significant amount of time getting the students to mingle. Initially, I have them go around the room and introduce themselves, stating their name, major, and a fun fact about themselves. I will start this by stating these facts about me. Usually, I come up with the most random, entertaining fact I can that will make them laugh. I think getting students to see their instructor as both professional as well as silly can really make them warm up.
I think it is really important for the students to see their instructor as "human", and telling a funny story about yourself like you mentioned is key to breaking the ice on the first day. I have also gotten the students into small groups if there will be a lot of group lab work in the course. This way the students get a feel for each other and the course right away.
Megan,
This is such a great way to kick off a new course. Everyone has fun and has an opportunity to participant in contributing to the course as well as learning about each other. Your sharing lets them see you as their learning leader as well as the how you are there to provide support to them as needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ernest,
I agree. The human factor is what helps the sharing of content to go much better. To share a laugh and your experiences helps to earn the respect of your students and this is the foundation for the development of rapport and enhanced learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I too, go around the classroom and everyone introduce themselves and why they are in school. I start off with my personal introduction.
Brenda,
This is a comfortable and supportive way to get everyone involved in the introduction process and become a part of the learning community.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Has anyone else done icebreakers other than suggested here?
I've done a bingo game with squares filled with "has traveled to the west coast" or "wears glasses" Students must fill a card during the game time period.
Chris
Getting to know my students on the first day of class is one of the most important step in each semester I teach. First I open the class by stating my name, and telling the student that we are on the same level. Of course student look at me with the "deer in the headlight" look, I explain that even though I am an instructor I do not know everything, and every class I have taught I learn something from my students.
Next I ask my student to introduce themselves, and tell me something unique about themselves, and after all you tell me something I will tell you about myself.
Once all the students have completed I tell my students "I met my husband in jail". You know how many laugh and weird looks that I get. Student then begin asking question. " How long where you in jail?" 'Two years'. "How long has your husband been in jail." "27 Years".
Quite an opener and that breaks the ice.
PS I was a Nurse at the jail and my husband was the Director of Treatment staff.
Tina,
Love your sense of humor and the unique way you introduce yourself and grab the attention of your students. Also, glad you told the rest of the story because I was wondering if you two were ever going to get together. Teaching is entertaining and using methods like this helps the students to see how learning can be fun. In addition, you are learning about them as you work through the introductions and everyone gets settled into the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that laughter is good for the heart and soul a little humor helps the students relax and does help to build rapport
Mary,
Yes it does and it has gotten me through a lot of situations over the years. A shared laugh goes a long way in setting the tone for the class and student interaction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do this as well, having each student tell their name and hometown. They may say as little or as much as they feel comfortable in sharing. Often we find several commonalities and most often this is the start of new friendships.
Linda,
These for me are fun times because I am always amazed during the introductions how diverse the experiences are among my students. I love teaching and this is one of the reasons, I get to meet new people all the time which in turn enables me to learn new things all the time from them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to get an understanding as to what the student short term goals are.
I always start by introducing myself and giving a brief back ground of where I came from. Then have each student do the same.
Craig,
Students are really interested in this information and it helps to establish you as the learning leader of the class. Then you can build on this information as you earn their respect.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with you about the importance of students seeing their instructors as humans. I've experienced this from both the student standpoint and the instructor standpoint. I graduated from the academic institution where I now teach. As a student, I learned the most from the instructors who told personal stories to help tie in the relevance of the material. Now, as an instructor, I keep those instructors in mind as I teach my own class, hoping to make lasting positive impressions.
Regina,
This is the human factor in teaching and you have not only experienced it via your instructors but are now practicing it in your own classroom. Sharing personal experiences help to reinforce the content being shared and let the students know that you have been where they are and that with their effort and your instruction they can achieve their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to have the new students introduce themselves as well as give me a little background information on why they chose this particular course. I find it very interesting that many new students are following in their parents footsteps and perusing a career that they admire their parents for doing.
