The Beginning Of The Year is So Hard For Teachers
It is the beginning of the school year, and as a teacher, you might be a little bit frustrated. There is a new group of students in your classroom and you know none of them. Each one in this group has a unique story, dream, aspirations, and objectives.
As time goes on, you will get plenty of time to know your students; however, one way to know them very quickly is to have them answer a set of get-to-know questions on the first days of school. Here is a list of questions that was compiled for educators and teachers to use with their students.
Questions You Certainly Need To Ask Students At The Beginning Of The Year
- Do you have a nickname you would like to be used in the classroom?
A lot of students have nicknames (or a short version of their names) that they like to be called with. Some of them won’t mention it unless they are asked. This is a great way to create a comforting learning environment.
- What are the things you expect to learn this year?
This question helps students share their expectations and aspirations. Having clear expectations is a good way to start.
- What kind of job would you like to have when you grow up?
Part of knowing your students is to know what they want to do in the future. Such questions will help you know the things that spark your students’ interest and probably give them guidance and advice.
- Can you describe yourself in a few words?
Students’ short answers might reveal so much about them. This is one of those important questions you ask. A lot of students will share answers you wouldn’t know about for weeks or maybe months later.
- How would you describe a successful academic year?
This question provides students with an opportunity to think and reflect on what is coming. If they can answer this, they will probably be motivated to work harder.
- What the things you don’t like about being at school?
this question will you know students’ inconveniences and challenges. These are the things you should look at to help them resolve.
- In what way, can I, your teacher, help you?
An important part of teaching is to know your students very well. This question will help you get more insights about your students, their motivation, their background, and their passion.
- How would you describe your best teacher?
This question will help you know the characteristics and qualities of students’ best teachers. It is a great way for teachers who want to improve and enhance their interpersonal skills.
- What is your passion?
A great way to know your students is to know their passions. Knowing the things that your students like most can drive your teaching practices and create an engaged classroom.
- What are your strong and weak points?
This question helps you present ways for students to turn their weaknesses into strengths. It also gives you an opportunity to help your students focus on their strengths.
- What digital tools do you prefer to use?
This is a related question. Since we live in the digital era, it is very important to know your students’ preferences, the websites they browse, the tools they use, the things they know…etc. As a teacher, you will have to use remote teaching tools to help your students, so it is important to know what your students know about technology.
- What new technology are you interested in this year?
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to create that link between education and technology. There are many technological tools that students prefer to use, and knowing about them will work for your favor.
- Do you think you are a good student? What does that mean for you?
Students will share their conceptions and beliefs about what constitutes a good student. They may not ask the first part that relates to them, but they will definitely share ideas about what it takes to be a good student.
- What does it mean to be a creative student?
This will help you develop students’ creativity and create activities and learning tasks that stimulate your students’ creative thinking skills.
- How do you prefer to study?
This is an important question to ask. Your students might not be familiar with learning styles, but they will definitely tell you something about their learning preferences and ways of study. You can use the information to know the types of students you have and plan your instruction accordingly.
These are some of the important questions you can use to ask your students. If you have more questions you think teachers should ask, share them in the comments below.
