A simple hello, hand shake and introduction can provide the students with a lot of information about yourself. A strong handshake shows confidence, eye contact and verbally acknowledging their presences shows that you are interested in them.
Lead by example! Students coming in to a career school look up to the instructors and it's upon us to set the standard and be role models.
Cathy,
It is important to start off every class meeting with something interesting to make a new first impression each day you are with students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I firmly believe in maintaining eye contact and smiling. Whomever you are speaking with will now you are really listening to them and value what they have to say.
I basically do the same greeting the student before class starts is much more welcoming than just calling roll. I believe setting the pace of class expectations clarifies a purpose as well as sets structure for the student
In order to make a great first impression, I think it is important to reach out to my students during the "perspective student" interview process and during the first week of school. Through this process, they get to know me, I get to them and I am constantly reaching out to them; offering my assistance and showing them that I am watching out for them as they start taking their first steps through a potentially uncomfortable and unfamiliar process in an unfamiliar environment.
Gamaliel,
You are describing what some folks reference as positioning oneself as a "similar other" that has has been where students are and has demonstrated what that success is possible.
Jeffrey Schillinger
A brief introduction of myself mentioning why I wanted to become an instructor, what it took me to get there and that every day I teach my students new concepts and see how they apply them later, makes me feel very, very much satisfied with what I chose for as a career . Last, I tell them that I was in their seat once so it's always my goal that every student becomes a better person as a whole. I believe this simple approach lets them know I care for them as individuals with a high potential.
Maria Luisa,
Thanks for this post. These are great things to do before every class meeting. All should be special.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Carol,
This is a good way to greet students every day. We like to stress that the opening activities and closing activities are as important as the "lesson" in student retention and learning.
Jeffrey Schillinger
These are all good strategies, Dennis. Thank you for sharing them.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I come early in the classroom on the very first day of a new term. I great and smileat each one that comes in. Make the nerve wrecking first day a fun one, getting each one to introduce themselves, lastly, I introduce myself and put some humor in it as I go to my experiences as a nurse and an educator.
Human beings form a "First Impression" in 2 to 5 seconds. How can you make a better first impression with your students?
Practice: although when I make a first impression it is genuine, it has some practice in it. People get nervous and you never know what might come out of the mouth, so for me it is important to practice.
personalize things as much as possible an appropriate. tell students your background and what you love about teaching. learn student names quickly. everyone responds well when addressed by name in a casual way, not just read off of a roster.
I'm usually a happy, smiley kind of person so when students see me the first thing they will see is a smile and hello and a "how are you"? Also , I try really hard to learn their names!
I like to greet the students on the first day with a smile but also try to give them something that is pertinent in the first few minutes of class. I really try to show that I care and make the first impression count throughout my days with them. Be a role model and be willing to listen to their needs. Be available for them at the beginning of class and after as well.
I follow this simple rule that I read. Grow slowly on your students. Do not share too much of your personal life. I also believe that part of being an educator is being a role model and a huge part of that is physical appearance. How we appear is one of the most important things about a first impression. Dressing for success is a phrase that every educator should put into practice. The third thing I believe that leaves a lasting impact is by “knowing your stuff†as my students like to call “knowledge of the subject matter
expect for having the materials in a folder I do the same thing and I agree it is a great way to start a class. I think I am going to start using folders next term, looks so much more professional
By acknowledging the student,introducing myself,and offering help.
Have a positive attitude. When meeting a class for the first time be positive and present to them how this course can be a positive step toward a sucessful career by their putting in their best effort!
