I have thought about this a lot while doing this course. I believe that I need to smile more. I tend to get so wrapped up in my work that I half listen to the student and usually continue to work while they ask their question. I want to work on stopping, smiling, making eye contact and listening to my students.
Robert,
Thank you for this post. I like to think teachers get a chance to make a new "first impression" in every class meeting. A well-planned opening can make a big difference for the full class meeting.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Good question. I don't think that I've ever considered this before. In part, this is because I have a speech impediment and the facial scars from childhood surgery to repair my cleft lip and palate. For so long I just assumed that my first impression was a bad one and it generally took people a long time for people to see thru my disability. Eventually, I gained more confidence in myself, and [really] with a bit of an attitude I just figured out that this is who I am, and always will be. I began to worry less about what other people would think, gained confidence, and simply became myself...and feel sincere. I think that was the trick, but it took 50 years to live a more sincere life. When you have it, it shows.
Big , immediate impression! I i stand at the door when i open it and greet the students as they come in . On the first day , it helps to set the students at ease to see a smiling face.
Angel,
Learning is strongest when it is accompanied by emotion. Laughter is one way to do that.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Make eye contact, smile and say hello. Be genuine, give a compliment. :)
My first impression to students is a smile and and great to see you. The fault with taking role "FIRST" is boring and hampers the optimism that the students need and even "WANT".
Laughter and setting a relaxed mood and environment in the class helps to ease anxiety and frustrations.
Be friendly, smile, and make them feel comfortable with you. Talk with them and get to know them as an individual. Be friendly but keeping it professional.
Make sure I greet and meet the students with a smile and eye contact.
I try to maintain eye contact and being upbeat and positive. It puts the students at ease and let's them know that I am approachable.
By having a warm smile, good body language, and a pleasent tone of speach.
How you meet and greet is important, but its also the environment in which it happens. Is the classroom clean and organized, well-lighted and comfortable....
A hello along with a smile.
Melissa,
Little things mean a lot. Thanks for reminding us.
Jeffrey Schillinger
It is amazing how far a smile and good eye contact can go in making a student feel comfortable with you and that you are approachable. Beyond that, once the student approaches, it is important to listen carefully and give him/her your full attention.
Smile, make eye contact, listen to them if they are speaking.
Eye contact, smile, repeat their name, ask open ended questions about them, and listen.
Show you care about their success. Remember that they could be scared and so be warm and welcoming. Of course smiling and eye contact are essential to this.
Jorge,
This is a little thing that sometimes we overlook. To make the best use of our time with students, we need to be organized so that we are engaging them throughout the class and not making them wait for us to do something we could have done before they arrived. Sometimes it is worth collating assignments and papers so that they can be given out quickly before class or during breaks. The supplies need to be ready and the presentations cued up when class starts.
Jeffrey Schillinger
