Research shows that 28 to 42 minutes is the maximum time a student can listen to a lecture. It is important to incorporate icebreaker questions for students at least once every 30 minutes. In order to keep their concentration.
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What are Icebreaker questions
Icebreaker question was invented by Bruce Tuckman in the mid 1960’s. He thought icebreaker questions can be used to get to know people better and to open a culture of openness and honesty.
It can also be used to improve creativity, ease tension, bring smiles, increase engagement, facilitate learning, etc,
Importance of Icebreaker questions
Icebreaker questions have the ability to create a positive, open and productive environment. It helps building relationships faster even with strangers.
Two scenarios involving students: One without icebreaker questions and another with icebreaker questions. To showcase the difference.
Scenario 1: Lecture without Icebreaker
First day of a new college course
The professor enters the classroom and instantly starts
Good morning, class. I am Dr. Smith, and this is Economics 1.1. Let’s start.
Once the professor starts reviewing the course outline, the students will start to sit silently, looking slightly uncomfortable. They prefer to avoid eye contact with the professor. The atmosphere will become tense and formal.
As the lecture begins, student participation is very less, with only one or two students answering questions from the professor.
Scenario 2: Lecture with Icebreaker
First day of a new college course
The professor enters the classroom with a smile:
Good morning, everyone! I am Dr. Johnson, and welcome to Psychology 1.1. Before we start the lecture, let’s spend some time getting to know each other better.
Professor started asking this icebreaker question: Turn to the person next to you and share your name, your major, and one interesting fact about yourself.
The room fills with chatter and smiles as students engage in conversation. After two minutes, Dr. Johnson asks a few students to introduce their friends to the class. Students started to share interesting facts, hobbies, travel experiences and follow-up questions from classmates.
Dr. Johnson then smoothly started his lecture: let’s look at our syllabus together. Feel free to ask questions as we go along.
In this scenario the students appear more relaxed. They readily ask questions about the course and even share personal examples related to psychology. The atmosphere is warm and interactive, with several students participating in discussions throughout the lecture.
These scenarios demonstrate how an icebreaker question can transform the classroom environment, a comfortable, engaging and participatory atmosphere from the start.
50 Icebreaker Questions for Students
1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
2. Your favorite book and why do you love it?
3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
4. The most unusual food you’ve ever tried?
5. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
6. Your favorite way to relax after a long day?
7. If you could instantly become an expert in one subject, what would it be?
8. The best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
9. If you could live in any fictional world, which one would you choose?
10. Your favorite childhood memory?
11. If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?
12. The most interesting class you’ve ever taken?
13. If you could invent something, what would it be?
14. Your go-to karaoke song?
15. If you could have a conversation with your future self, what would you ask?
16. The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
17. If you could master any skill instantly, what would you choose?
18. Your favorite way to spend a rainy day?
19. If you could solve one world problem, what would it be?
20. The best gift you’ve ever received?
21. If you could be any animal for a day, which one would you pick?
22. Your favorite family tradition?
23. If you could have lunch with any celebrity, who would it be?
24. The most interesting place you’ve ever visited?
25. If you could star in any movie remake, which one would you choose?
26. Your hidden talent?
27. If you could live in any era of history, when would it be?
28. The most valuable life lesson you’ve learned so far?
29. If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?
30. Your favorite way to express your creativity?
31. If you could have a lifetime supply of one food, what would it be?
32. The most challenging thing you’ve ever accomplished?
33. If you could be a character in any book, who would you be?
34. Your favorite childhood game?
35. If you could learn any language instantly, which one would you choose?
36. The most interesting fact you know?
37. If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
38. Your favorite way to spend time with friends?
39. If you could change one thing about the education system, what would it be?
40. The best compliment you’ve ever received?
41. If you could be famous for one thing, what would it be?
42. Your favorite quote or motto?
43. If you could instantly acquire three new skills, what would they be?
44. The most beautiful place you’ve ever seen?
45. If you could have a conversation with your past self, what advice would you give?
46. Your favorite way to learn new things?
47. If you could start any kind of business, what would it be?
48. The most memorable experience you’ve had in school?
49. If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
50. Your biggest goal for next year?
Follow up After Shooting Icebreaker Questions
After breaking the ice, don’t just move on
Nod and smile at those interesting information students shared. Point out the common things: Looks like we’ve got a bunch of pizza lovers here! – but also celebrate those unique voices.
Weave their stories into your lesson, showing how their experiences connect to what you’re teaching. Keep the conversation flowing by asking a follow-up question or two.
Before diving into the main lesson, take a moment to reflect on how this little chat sets the stage for your class goals.
As you teach, sprinkle in references to what you learned – “Remember how Sarah mentioned her fear of heights? Well, in this physics problem…” This way, you’re not just teaching; you’re creating a shared experience that makes learning feel personal and fun.
[…] often used to encourage creativity, imaginative thinking, and playful conversations. Hypothetical scenarios based on icebreaker questions makes people think themselves in the situation which helps them to think outside of the […]