Example Icebreaker Discussions

LATIN AMERICAN LIBERATION THEOLOGY  |  INSTRUCTOR: JEANETTE RODRIGUEZ

Introduce Yourself

Please let everyone know a bit about you so that we can begin to feel like we are really “in” this class and discover any connections we might have. This class is inherently about connections and community. Letting us know your name, year and major are great but also letting us know what drew you to this class—or even what worries you about this class since the topic may feel outside your comfort zone. That’s okay. Maybe some of you have traveled to the areas we will be talking about or you have some personal relationship to the subject.

After you have posted, please read through your classmates’ posts. If you find a connection or something that resonates with you, let them know by responding and following up on those connections.

I will also make a post and share my background. I look forward to getting to know all of you as we begin this journey.

 

TRAVEL WRITING: NEAR AND FAR  |  INSTRUCTOR: SUSAN MEYERS

Getting to Know You: Where is Home?

Where is home for you? How does this place make you feel? Do you identify with your home? Feel a desire to leave? How does your home give you a sense of belonging--or a call to adventure?

 

TO HELL & BACK: THE PROBLEM OF EVIL  |  INSTRUCTOR: MICHAEL TRICE

Say Hello!! Introduce Yourself to Your Coursemates

Hi Everyone,

Why is it important to introduce ourselves in Module One? Because, I believe that we become more embodied, more real, to one another, by doing so. A topic such as evil can be disorienting, but we know from students and in higher education, that an introduction goes a long way in making a course something we share . . . rather than simply a set of readings and deadlines.

Please take a moment to introduce yourselves. For my part, I have been on the faculty at STM for four academic years. I've lived around the country and spent a number of years during my doctoral work living in Germany. My home state is still New Mexico. And, I became interested in the topic of evil while working in North Carolina in the death penalty appellate process, which led to my dissertation in Constructive Theology, and on the topic of systemic cruelty and reconciliation.

Now your turn!

 

LEADERS FOR A JUST & HUMANE WORLD  |  INSTRUCTOR: PATRICK HOWELL S.J.

Packing your bags

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
― Mary Oliver

1) Take a couple of minutes and jot down your deepest desire.

2) Looking out over the next 10 years, what do you hope to do with your career or your vocation? Identify one or two things.

3) What do you hope most to get out of this course?

When you're ready, to the extent you feel comfortable, post and share your hopes online.

 

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING  |  INSTRUCTOR: GABE SAUCEDO

Who Are We? Our Summer ACCT 2300 Community

Although we might not all see each other face-to-face this summer, I would like to ensure this is a safe, open learning community for knowledge sharing and growth. Let's kick of the class by doing some quick introductions so we can know a little more about each other. Please respond to the following:

• Name (including preferred nicknames)
• Preferred Personal Pronouns (e.g., she/her, he/him, they/them)
• Major & Year
• Hometown
• Place (e.g., city or town) You'll be Taking this Course From (if other than your hometown)
• Reason for Taking this Course (e.g., major, minor, just for fun, etc. )
• Favorite Outdoor Activity
• Favorite Food
• What Do You Spend Your Money On (e.g., clothes, tickets, music, food, shoes)
• Any Concerns or Questions for the Course?

The last couple of questions above I will directly use as we integrate more examples and activities throughout the class. It is my personal goal that you will own the course material, be prepared for exams, and carry knowledge into future courses. I believe the best way to do this is to customize course material to optimize your learning potential.

As you think about your responses, I've already kicked off our discussion thread below!

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE IN THE THIRD SECTOR  |  INSTRUCTOR: MAUREEN FEIT & SARAH TRAN

I Offer/ I Need

Leadership for social justice is not a solo act. In order to sustain ourselves as leaders, we need to call on one another for support.

List items you have to offer others in this cohort. What talents, strengths, resources, experience might be available to you that might not for others?

List what you need from others in the cohort.

 

---

Video Introductions