What is the main purpose of introducing yourself and the class?

Establishing your presence as the class instructor is crucial in fostering a positive learning environment right from the outset. When you introduce yourself, you help set the tone for the class by establishing credibility and authority, which is essential for effective instruction. This initial introduction also helps build rapport with students, making them feel more comfortable and engaged in the learning process. By clearly presenting yourself, you signal to the students that you are prepared, knowledgeable, and invested in their learning experience, which can enhance their willingness to participate and ask questions.

While creating a lesson plan, explaining the course syllabus, and collecting student information are all important tasks, they are secondary to the immediate necessity of establishing your presence. These aspects may come later in the class but cannot achieve their full effectiveness without having first created a supportive and welcoming environment through your personal introduction.