As an introvert, I can easily get overwhelmed in the classroom when there are too many things going on. The first week of classes always seems to be the most exciting and active, so I've been noticing a lot of things that heighten the classroom's intensity.
1. Get-to-Know-You Activities
While I want to know who my fellow classmates are, there doesn't need to be this really big and elaborate game. In fact, I think it's better to learn their name and a fact about them. I often times remember names better when I have a weird fact or funny thing to connect to them. Also, let's stop trying to make introverts extroverts.
2. Group Activities
Unless the information is really interesting, pairing up in groups to discuss the material is going to be just frustrating. I can promise you that half the people in my group didn't actually read and I may or may not really understand the material all that well myself.
3. Class Games
Who remembers review jeopardy? Get two teams pitted against one and other and all of a sudden, people are yelling and running around the classroom and everything is chaos. I'd like to remind you that I am a college student and I have experienced this in the last week.
4. Class Field Trips
This is one thing I personally like. I've had quite a few classes where we were able to go outside and have class. It's really nice to get out of the classroom and sit in the sun (for limited amounts of time for those of us who burn when they sit too close to a window). It's high intensity while everyone's looking for a spot to sit, but then it's usually a really laid back class where a lot of people tend to feel more comfortable.
5. Sharing What You Wrote
I don't know if what I wrote is correct and I haven't discussed it with anyone and now I have to share it in front of the whole class. I can assure you that my throat is getting tight and my face is red. Public speaking without volunteering is always the best.
6. Reading Aloud
While you're waiting for you turn, you're counting the paragraphs to see which one you're going to be reading. Don't lie, you do it. And then it's even worse when you make a mistake in your calculations.
7. Timed Assessments and Question Sessions
We're actually doing timed math assessments to simulate what it's like to be a student doing math minutes in school and let me tell you, this is now something that makes me nervous. I don't know how I functioned when I was younger, but five minutes to do 100 multiplication facts did not seem like enough time on the first day.
8. Numerous People Walking in Late
Two minutes isn't a huge deal. But when a continuous stream of people walk in late, I get nervous. Don't ask me why, it just happens. Also, if you walk into a class 30 minutes late and it's only 50 minutes total, you should've just enjoyed your day off.
