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Class Engagement Activities

Often, the first day of class determines how learners will perceive the subject matter and will (or will not) participate throughout the semester; having a great first day of class will lay the foundation to build a meaningful relationship with learners as the class progresses. Kirk (2018) explained that one of the most important aspects of a good first day is maintaining composure and dispelling any nervousness. Developing a routine before starting the first day of class can increase our confidence in front of our learners and, as a result, increase our credibility and learners’ trust in our abilities.

Educators could implement many strategies within each of Lang’s (2019) principles to engage learners and build rapport on that first day. However, many learners do not like icebreakers, as they require learners to take social risks without facilitating familiarity. When done well, icebreaker activities introduce learners to their peers without making them uncomfortable. Some sample activities from The Ohio State University’s University Center for the Advancement of Teaching (n.d.), Gonzalez (2015), Boldt (2014), and Lansing Community College (n.d.) include:

  • Anonymous Classroom Survey – Write two to three open-ended questions related to the subject and have learners answer them anonymously to gain a sense of learners' starting points.
  • This or That – Ask a series of debatable, dualistic questions—such as “Which breakfast food is better: Pancakes or waffles?” or “Would you rather read a book or watch a movie?”—and allow learners to choose a position by physically moving to one or the other side of the room. Have each group of learners form a debate for their side.
  • Learning from Experience – Share with learners one thing you learned the “hard way” about the subject you are teaching. Have learners share experiences likewise. Add these experiences to a chart that can be referred to throughout the class.
  • Pop Culture – Ask learners to identify one or two pop culture elements they are currently interested in, such as a movie, book, or television show, on a notecard. Try incorporating references to these interests to make the course more relatable.
  • Something You Want to Learn – Create a form for learners to fill out, with questions such as, “What is something you already know about this subject?”, “What is something you want to learn in this class?”, and “What can I do to help your learning?” Collect learners’ answers and adjust teaching practices to fit learners’ needs as much as possible.
  • Collective Knowledge – Divide learners into teams of four to five. Have each group identify three ground rules they would like to see implemented in the class. Then, share with the class. Record learners’ rules and identify, as a whole class, realistic rules that can be adopted.
  • My Slogan – Ask each learner to develop a personal “slogan,” giving examples such as “I’m Lovin It” for McDonald’s or “Just Do It” for Nike, for them to share with the class.
  • The Best Team – In groups of four or five, encourage learners to share the characteristics of the best team they have been on. Have each group share the best-listed characteristics and record them on a chart, which can be referred to whenever groupwork is implemented in the course.
  • Whiteboard Feedback – Divide the whiteboard into two sections: “The best class I have ever had did this” and “The worst class I have ever had did this.” Encourage learners to share what they liked and disliked about past courses.
  • M&M Questions – Give each learner an M&M as they come through the door. Have learners introduce themselves and ask each learner a pre-developed question based on the color of their M&M.

Implementing these activities shows learners we care about who they are. It also makes them more comfortable with and connected with each other, which could increase participation throughout the semester.

References

Berkeley Center for Teaching & Learning. (n.d.). What to do on the first day of class. Retrieved from https://teaching.berkeley.edu/what-do-first-day-class

Boldt, J. (2014, August 21). What do you do on the first day of class? [weblog post]. Retrieved from https://chroniclevitae.com/news/669-what-do-you-do-on-the-first-day-of-class

Denial, C. (2016, August 3). Making the first-day matter [weblog post]. Retrieved from https://catherinedenial.org/blog/uncategorized/making-the-first-day-matter/

Gonzalez, J. (2015, July 23). Icebreakers that rock [weblog post]. Retrieved from https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/classroom-icebreakers/

Kirk, D. J. (2018). Ten tips for dealing with nervousness on the first day of class. Retrieved from https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/ten-tips-for-dealing-with-nervousness-the-first-day-of-class/

Lang, J. M. (2019) How to teach a good first day of class. Retrieved from https://www.chronicle.com/interactives/advice-firstday

Lansing Community College. (n.d.). Icebreaker activities. Retrieved from https://internal.lcc.edu/cte/resources/teachingtips/icebreakers.aspx

Weimer, M. (2015) The first day of class: A once-a-semester opportunity. Retrieved from https://www.westfield.ma.edu/images/uploads/media-services/facultyfocus.com-The_First_Day_of_Class_A_Once-a-Semester_Opportunity.pdf