Icebreaker questions are different ways of getting the people in your small group to talk about themselves. An easy way to encourage friendships to form in your group as you help everyone get to know each other.
Adapted from COURAGE TO TEACH by Parker Palmer
"When I am teaching at my best, I am like a _____________________."
Fill in the blank.
For example, if I fill in Sheepdog, I add a few words why?
Sheepdog
It maintains a space where the sheep can graze and feed themselves; it holds the sheep together in that space, constantly bringing back strays; it protects the boundaries of the space to keep dangerous predators out; and when the grazing ground is depleted, it moves with the sheep to another space where they can get the food they need.
My task in the classroom parallels this imaginative rendering of the Sheepdog's task. My students must feed themselves—that is called active learning. If they are to do so, I must take them to a place where food is available: a good text, a well-planned exercise, a generative question, and a disciplined conversation. Then, I must move them to the next feeding ground when they have learned what to learn. I must hold the group within those places, paying special attention to individuals who get lost or run away - and all the while, I must protect the group from deadly predators, like fear.
Charu Chhabra, [Feb 12, 2023 at 4:15 PM]
When I am teaching at my best, I am like a light, illuminating the path of knowledge, skills and understanding for my students. Light of hope facilitates the clarity of thoughts and insight, helping students see connections and make sense, positive energy and enthusiasm to the classroom, and creates an environment that ignites curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.
Shikha Vaid, [Feb 12, 2023, at 4:33 PM]
When I am teaching at my best, I am like a skilled leader. Unlike administrative leaders, the effective focus is on shared decision-making, teamwork, and community building. This sense of leadership to students provides opportunities for each of them to assume leadership roles.
Jyoti Bhardwaj, [Feb 12, 2023, at 4:40 PM]
When I am teaching at my best, I am like an explorer, exploring the knowledge of my students and providing them with a platform to come up with their new ideas and thoughts, encouraging them to show their innovative and creative skills, which ultimately makes them confident of overcoming their problems.
5315191398, [Feb 12, 2023, at 4:54 PM] - please post with your name!
When I teach at my best, I am like a Polaris, navigating my students to the right path and making them learn everything creatively—encouraging a brighter outlook and developing their motor skills. I always make a friendly and fun-loving relationship with my students.
Sukhpreet, [Feb 12, 2023 at 5:17 PM]
When I am teaching at my best, I am like a *pro* (ap*pro*achable). Being light-hearted and having a positive attitude helps me quickly understand even complex core concepts for my students. An approachable attitude helps students easily connect with classmates and teachers and makes them feel more confident to face the world and difficult situations.
Shikha Vaid, [Feb 12, 2023 at 5:44 PM]
When I am teaching at my best, I am like a learner—learning with an inquisitive mind. I am trying my best to create interactive learning opportunities. The teacher can change lives with the right mix of chalk and challenges.
Shveta, [Feb 12, 2023 at 5:47 PM]
When I am teaching at my best, I am like the Spectrum. I am ready with the versatility to impart the ultimate colours that expand the learning capacity indulging my little ones into hope, and surprise, imparting knowledge, good values, tradition, modern-day challenges and ways to resolve them within students. I strive to reach every ward so that no child is left behind. I am open to learning which gives me time to analyse. I love my profession. It gives me immense pleasure and the opportunity to be more than just what I am.
