← Back to glossary

Icebreakers: Definition and Meaning

Educationally and pedagogically written and reviewed by Academic Writer Nesian Rose Guevara, BA, and Academic Writer & Researcher Dr. Maryam Iftikhar, Ph.D.

What is An Icebreaker

An icebreaker is a teaching strategy educators use to engage students, facilitate an engaging learning environment, and prepare them for the incoming lesson. The term originated from ships called icebreakers, designed to ease the passage of other ships by breaking up the ice. Thus, an icebreaker draws students’ attention to the new lesson by making them feel more at ease and cooperative as they prepare for it.

Icebreakers: Benefits and Drawbacks

Enhancing Classroom Engagement and Learning

The use of icebreakers in classroom teaching and instruction has its benefits. Icebreakers are an excellent way to break off dull class discussions, eliminate monotony, and encourage students to participate in teaching and learning. Also, before instruction begins, it allows students to unwind, enjoy their classes, and interact with one another, which helps facilitate and improve learning. Furthermore, it also helps develop and enhance students’ concentration, creativity, problem-solving, and integrity. It also reduces students’ anxiety and fatigue and also facilitates group collaboration and teamwork. Icebreakers allow students to focus more intently, cultivate organized thought processes, and apply creativity to problem-solving.

Ineffective Communication and Socialization

All of the benefits of icebreakers are only possible if they are used correctly in the right way and at the right time. However, that is not always the case for most icebreakers. Some icebreakers are poorly made; thus, they fail to foster connection among students. For instance, some icebreaker questions are formulated in this form: “If  you could be an animal, what animal would you be?” Some other icebreakers require students to think of descriptive words that start with the same letter as their name. Unless a student is very creative or teachers insist that no repetitions be made, most answers will be safe or embarrassing. So, instead of getting to know each other better, children focus on giving the safest and least embarrassing answers they can share in class. 

In other cases, they force students to take huge risks socializing with people they do not know well. Many icebreakers require students to share some of their personal information in public. Students would need to disclose something unique and intriguing about themselves that makes them stick out for the icebreaker to be effective. However, being different is something most kids avoid, especially as they reach middle and high school. Thus, for the sake of being agreeable, a lot of students end up sharing something dull and safe, resulting in an ineffective icebreaker.

Thus, it is essential to assess the content and appropriateness of icebreakers before using them in classrooms. Only then can they be effective in accomplishing the activity’s goals.

Types of Icebreakers

Icebreakers vary in type and form. The following are some examples of icebreakers used in classrooms:

  1. Openers

This kind of icebreaker is used to begin and introduce a lesson by stimulating students’ motivation. Examples include getting-to-know-you activities.

  1. Energizers

This type of icebreaker is employed when the class feels dull, stressed, or too relaxed. Examples include games or activities with riddles or songs.

  1. Feedback and Disclosure

Rather than being a tool for students to continue building relationships with one another, this kind of icebreaker serves as a strategy to develop communication. This can be performed by using worksheets.

  1. Reading Stories

This icebreaker is an effective strategy to encourage and enhance students’ speaking and listening skills. For example, teachers can ask their students to share the story behind their names in class, enhancing not only their speaking and listening skills but also building social connections with their classmates.

  1. Using Pictures

This type of icebreaker is quick to prepare and helps increase students’ engagement and enthusiasm. In addition, using pictures gives students sufficient information about the background and context of the topic discussed.

  1. Question and Answer

This icebreaker encourages students’ curiosity and motivation by requiring their participation and prompt feedback about the lesson. Also, through this icebreaker, students can expand on their previous knowledge while using terminology and structures related to the current lesson. One example is the ‘what-you-did-this-summer’ sharing.

Icebreakers: Teach Simple’s Perspective

Attention, motivation, and interest are essential components to facilitate learning. However, educators must find ways to sustain them throughout classroom discussions. Use of icebreakers is one way through. Icebreakers aid in the learning process by helping students be at ease and in good spirits while actively participating in classroom discussions. It helps keep their focus, develop their creativity, and enhance their critical-thinking skills. It also helps build connections between students, facilitating cooperation and teamwork during group work in class. Thus, incorporating icebreakers in the classroom is highly recommendable.

However, first, it is important to gauge whether icebreakers are suitable and timely. This means evaluating whether icebreakers are age-appropriate, applied properly and on time, and precisely accomplish the objectives they intend to achieve. Otherwise, they will be ineffective in encouraging classroom interaction and learning. Thus, educators must balance fun and creativity with the content and objectives of the icebreaker activity.

References

  • Omar, A. M. K. A. (2019). The effectiveness of icebreaker strategy in enhancing motivation and producing conducive classroom atmosphere for the tenth graders in English classes in Nablus City schools from the perspectives of teachers and students [Master’s thesis, An-Najah National University] An-Najah National University Repository. https://repository.najah.edu/bitstreams/b59920bf-b4be-4903-991e-ac5c8a600d4f/download

Related Terms