First impressions
y first impression that I really strive for day 1 is being early and greeting the students as they approach my classroom. I also try really hard to leanr their names by week 2 because helps them feel more comfotabe being a new instructor for them. I also always acknowledge my students in the hallway by saying hello once I know their names.
Being raised with "your first impression is your last impression" it always made me want to have optimum preparation because this tended to reduce anxiety significantlly. I would hope as an instructor it would do the same for my class as well.
To help with this in online courses, I make sure to greet each student personally. And if students are missing discussion or assignments right away, I immediately touch base with them via email or phone.
Hi Kris,
With your method all the students have all the information needed to get the course off to a good start. Way to go in making sure that the students know expectations and requirements. Helps to take the mystery out of what comes next.
Gary
Even though I get to know some students before I actually have them in class, I still make sure that the first day of class when I do have them, that those students understand the hows, whats and whys the class needs to know to operate efficiently, to achieve good grades and above all to be able to enjoy the learning...
Hi Holly,
That is what teacher student rapport is all about. They knowing that you care about them as individuals and their success in your class. By knowing their names and recognizing them in other settings you are showing your professionalism as an educator.
Gary
