All students are inpressible and first impression are very important and can effect the relationship, learning and understanding of the student. It is also improtant to keep the good relationship with the student throughout the course.,
When that student is in front of me, that is the most important person in the world at that moment. Pay attention to what they are saying, making eye contact, calling them by name, and not giving in to the distractions around you are all ways of making a better impression with your students.
I try to make a good first impression with the students prior to meeting them. Before the start of the course I email each student to introduce myself and give them some class information. In the email I express my enthusiasm regarding the material we will be covering, how the course will be structured and provide them with examples. I have had great success with this because I find that a majority of the students email back and share information with me. This communication allows to start building a bond early.
Be positive and it will come through in your mannerisms. Leave your problems at home! They have enough to deal with. Everyone smiles in the same language! My Fav!!! The other Fav - "I have never seen anyone die from being nice!"
The first thing I do each day is greet the students as they arrive to class. The first day of class I introduce myself and shake their hand as they enter the classroom.
i meet all students at the door and they know all the rules and i check everyday. i greet with a smile and eye contact and treat all in a very professional manner and i expect the same out of them.
First impressions mean everything. I was walking through the hallway and had something on my mind and did not greet a new student, later i had that student in one of my classes and the student didnt warm up to me for days later i talked to the student and found out they were holding on to the moment that i did not great them to make them feel welcome.
I talk a lot about first impressions with my students. When I tell them that it takes only 5 seconds for an employer to get their first impression of you, it raises some eyebrows and drops open mouths.I was taught at a young age by my father that appearance is number one. He would always tell me that when applying for a job, one should always stay clean, fit and well groomed. You should smile, look the person straight in the eye and give a firm handshake and listen carefully to the questions being asked. Also,show up early, research the company that you are applying for and know the company's history, mission and goals.I take this advice into my classroom every day. Although i am not applying for a job the information still applies to what the students think about me.
I also like to greet my students, but also make sure that I adhere to the rules for puncuality and professionalism just the same as the students are required. I also make sure that I am prepared for class or lab materials as required for that days schedule.
Eye contact, smile, call by name if known, be prepared and enthusiastic.
Michael,
Attendance provides a nice chance for a 10-15 second individual interaction with students. Sometimes it can be just am eye-to-eye smile. Other times it can be a siply hello or thank you.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I make sure to meet and gret each student at the door on the first day and ask thier name this gives me a heads up when it is time to take attendance and I can assiciate a name with a face this is often followed by a smile from the student recognizing that they are individually recognized right off the bat.
Cordelia,
You are correct that we do not want to seem unapproachable to our students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I believe that I could make a better first impression just by ensuring them that I am going to walk with them throughout the course, and be there when they need help with their work. Not make them feel afraid to come to me and ask questions.
i usually meet my new students during their interview for admission into my department. I introduce myself and the faculty member doing the interview with me, ask them to sit down, and then try and talk just a bit about the program so put them at ease. i gradually work into questions regarding them, their experiences and their education so far, what they have enjoyed and what they didn;t like. i try to make the interview low key and friendly. i tell them i am asking them questions about their goals to be sure that my program is right for both their short and long term goals. I end the interview by giving them a business card with all my contact information on it and ask them to please call or email any additional questions they may have. This has worked very well for me as i end up with a group of motivated students and we are all on the same "GOAL" page.
Paula,
I know of several teachers who take a "do as I say not as I do" appropach when it comes to personal appearance. I agree with you that it is an important part of the experience we give students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Smiling, making eye contact, and using their name when I am meeting them. I also think that looking professional is necessary to gain their respect.
Paula Blankenbiller
I think inroducing yourself, listening to the student, and making eye contact are good ways of making a good first impression.
Eye contact is definetely important and talking to the students not at them is very beneficial. Sharing certain components about yourself gives you that human approach that students relate better to, for some are intimidated just being in a "college" environment but when they can see you in the same light as themselves and you can show them you had the some of the same goals as they did i.e., graduating from college and getting a career that you love; it goes a long way in developing a mutual respect. I also feel that learning the student's as quickly as possible is extremely important and I play the "I'm going to the grocery store game and I'm taking (so and so with me) game." By the end of the second class I know 25-30 student's name and so do they which creates a better atmosphere all around and an excellent class culture.
