A method I have been using for a while to break the ice within the group and to allow students to get to know each other, is have each student introduce him/herself to the class and express their expectations about the class or why they are there. This allows students to relate to one another when it comes to their goals and expectations, and any fears/doubts they may have about the class. As students start opening up about their backgrounds and goals, others start to follow and new friends/colleages are created during this 1st hour of class. They come to class the second day knowing that everyone in class is and feels just like them, knowing that they already know people in the class they can relate to and look forward to seeing again.