smiling in the classroom
I have found that smiling helps create a bond with your students. They feel that you are happy to be teaching them and that you care about them. I have had other instructors say "I can't believe the things that you say to students and they still like you" What I say is constructive criticism, but with a smile. Even if it is a constructive criticism they perceive that I care enough to tell them and want them to succeed.
Jeanie,
I remember as a child being well aware of how my teacher's mood affected the mood, climate, etc in the classroom for the whole day. I had one teacher who was very moody & it literally became a guessing game as to whether it would be a positive or negative climate for the day. Once I became a teacher I purposed to be positive & smiling, no matter what. And you are right, it does make a difference.
Ryan
I believe smiling and enjoying your classroom makes the students want to come back and enjoy the positive attitude, I have seen grumpy, hunched over teachers that were not taken serious and it effected the whole classroom experience.
I find that smiling is a positive reinforcement in many teaching situations.
I learned that about myself also! I was so surprised to learn that I didn’t smile much. My students thought I was very serious and unapproachable. It wasn’t until some of them saw me in a setting outside of the classroom that they learned I had a different side. Since then I have been consciously aware of smiling more, lightening up and the best part is I’m happier and so are they.
I learned first-hand the benefit of smiling versus not smiling during interaction with students. I had been teaching for a few months when I received my evaluations. On it, several students had commented that they liked me one-on-one, but that I needed to smile more in the instructional setting. I had no idea I wasn't smiling (which is unusual for me anyway). The comment made me more aware and allowed me to "be myself." I discovered I was trying too hard to be academic and had forgotten that education is all about people! I've not made that mistake again.
Hi Michael!
My mother has always said to me that you can get much more with honey than with vinegar. I feel like that applies to a smile. Smiling (or pleasant demeanor) reduces stress and can bring down a potentially challenging situation with a student. A smile connects people in a postive way.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I would think students want to know their instructor is happy teaching them, truly enjoying being a part of a bigger world. I would feel much more comfortable seeing my teacher smile. This would make me want to participate more and show up for class.
I fhave found smiling helps to develope a good relationship with class along with a good dose of humor or joke. I like to discuss a news item or joke with class which leads into my lesson. I may also relate something humorous from my industry experience such as my most embarrassing moments.
To a point I agree, although some cultures don't interpret smiles in such a positive way. And of course they have to feel you are sincere. But if the students see you care and respect them as people then they are more likely to learn, and feel better about the process too. And if a smile works, use it!
Hi Monica!
A smile transcends any barriers that may exist. It's a way of expressing warmth and caring and offers an opportunity for students to feel comfortable in their environment
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Smiling is a wonderful way to create a pleasant learning environment. Students do feel that you care about them and that you have positive feelings towards them when you smile.
I find that smiling not only makes the students feel good about the learning, but it also helps me remember that I really do love my job. It can be really easy to get stuck in a funk outside of work but just taking min and remembering to put a smile on my face can really improve my mood.
Yes..I know when an instructor smiles it shows that he or she is warm and cares for the well being of the student. This will always give positive reinforcement to the students and will help in the learning environment.
I agree with Lorraine smiling is a very important part of my classroom. It is so important to remember that even if the student is having a bad day they will hopefully realize that you are there for them no matter what kind of day they are having. If you as an instructor aren't smiling that reflects poorly on your class. I am a dental instructor so they know that a smile opens many doors for them and it is a window into someones heart!
Another positive aspect to smiling in the classroom is that as an instructor, you appear to be more approachable..I have had instructors myself, that had a permanent stern expression or look of disinterest on their face. Needless to say, I was reluctant to ask questions. Also, students are quick to discuss an instructor's shortcomings with other students. Often times this leads to a pre-formed opinion of that instructor, long before a new student sets foot in their classroom.
I agree! Students who feel like you recognize and appreciate their presence are more likely to be engaged.
It not what you say it's how you say it. So if you are giving them constructive criticism with a smile your right they feel that you care and that your not trying to be hurtful. It's amazing what a smile can do for a students day. :)
I couldn't agree more! If you smile, they know that you care but at the same time you can still have authority and they take it better because they know you care by your smile.
Hi Sandi!
A smile says a thousand words and reenforces ppositive interaction. As you know, it takes fewer muscles to smile than it takes to frown.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
