you want students to feel comfortable not out of place , enjoy the class which helps them take in more ideas
I believe that being able to introduce yourself to the class would allow them to understand you better. It also opens a way for them to interact with each other and learn more about each other.
The first class is an opportunity to get to know students on a personal level and introduce yourself on a human level prior to moving on to managing expectations about the class content and outcomes. It's a place and time to practice the art of relationship building. Afterwards, it's easier to establish a knowledge baseline from the students so that you can adjust your presentations to meet their level of mastery of the subject.
Making personal connections with students at the beginning of class via a smile, or a getting to know you ice breaker, helps foster connections and trust. This helps to promote opportunity for learning and engaging.
It's helpful to the overall success of the student to create an environment that is not stiff and rigid to optimize their learning, to interact with the students after you have shared something about yourself professionally and after the students have shared about themselves as well. Also, allowing students to test their knowledge so that you can better prepare to focus on areas that need more instruction.
I have learned to Greet every person, create space for students to get to know you and give them a sence of security by allowing yourself to share your professional back ground. Also I learned that is important to learn students names as quickly as you can.
It is imperative to know your students names. It shows them that you care. Tell the students a little about yourself; it shows them that you are human. I love the idea of small groups. It creates a temporary bond amongst students.
Preparation for class equals lasting first impression.
Introduction--first impression to allow students to see you as a human, but passionate about teaching, their education, and the subject.
Prepare your self to motivation students.
It is normal for students to be anxious but they should have clear expectations and a confidence that they can succeed in the course by the time they have completed their first day of class.
It's important for the students to get to know you as well as knowing them, to make them feel like they have a sense of security of knowing about you, the other students, and what to expect for the remainder of the course. It is also important to find your own easiest way to remember their names.
Introduce yourself and have the students do the same. A comfortable classroom is better for learning
I learned various strategies to help recall student names. I found the picture method to be especially useful as I generally remember faces and not names.
I learned the value of continuing to reassure the students this is just one step in them reaching their ultimate goal. Reassurance that they can be successful in the course which will then lead to them reaching their ultimate goal.
It is important to develop a rapport with the students to know their name and have them connect with other classmates. That sense of community will help them be successful in the course.
Comment on Justin Markle's post: I agree, that is one part I didn't know from before. It would make them feel like they know you somehow.
The 3 "M"s, Modeling, managing & motivation!
Getting to know your students and establishing rapport can help to facilitate a more comfortable learning enviroment.
Teachers have an important role in creating a sense of familiarization with the student to create a better learning environment
I'm going to be sure to start each lesson with enthusiasm, getting to know students, provide complete course objectives and end with a recap and getting students prepared and excited for the next lesson.
I really liked the index cards idea where you are able to connect with each student. I have seen in the past how students appreciate when a teacher relates what they are teaching to real-world experience.
