How can you make a good first impresion
What are some ways to successfully accomplish making a first good impression when you are teaching an online class and will have no face-to-face contact with a student?
I make sure I tell the class that I am a graduate from this very program that I teach and that I have sat where they are now and made it through. I explain how I love the career so much that I want to share and teach them all about this great career.
Hi Jasmine,
Right you are. By knowing they have an experienced and dedicated instructor the students can get excited about the course and what is going to be shared in it. This really helps with the development of rapport and respect by students.
Gary
I think that most students just want to be well informed as to what to expect during each class. They want to know that we as instructors care and will bend over backwards to make there learning experience smooth. I do feel that teaching an online course will make it harder to build a good relationship with the students, but ultimately I think if they have achieved their goals it won't matter.
Hi Jem,
There are several things you can do to remember names quickly. One is have the students make name tents and put them on their desks in front of them. Then have each student introduce themselves and give some facts about them. Things like where they are from, goals they have, work experience, interesting things they have done or places they have traveled. While the students are sharing this information concentrate on one fact that they share with their name. You will find you can create a connection between their name and the fact and their names will be remembered.
Gary
For me, I think it is important that the first thing the students see is a smile....it goes back to the notion of making the students feel comfortable.
It is pretty hard to change that first impression...looking friendly and accessible from the first minute goes a long way - and that is what the smile does.
Secondly, to remember names, I have heard that as you shake hands, the best thing to do is say the name as you have connection to the person.
Does anyone have any other suggestions for name-remembering?
I introduce myself to the class and then we play some icebreaker activities and let the students get to know each other and a little about myself. This works because it makes them realize I'm human too and have flaws and don't know everything. I think they connect better that way.
Hi Lynn,
One approach is to do an introduction activity where you have each student respond to a series of questions. These questions can revolve around the course, their career goals, and where they see themselves in the next five years. These questions will get them to discussing and sharing so everyone in the class can get to know the other students better.
Gary
