Saying hello, smiling, handshake and body language are important first impressions. Taking time to have a conversation and showing interest in the other person is also important.
I am always (when am not stuck behind my desk) patrolling the halls and meeting and greeting students. I am always professionally groomed and smiling. I speak with them and make sure that they know that I have an open door policy and welcome visits from them about the good, the bad and the ugly.
Courtney,
How do you deal with students who come to class seeming to be tired, angry or disinterested?
Jeffrey Schillinger
A smile can go a long way. It will help to connect with the student easily.
Our first impression starts the second they walk into the door. It's obvious that they are overwhelmed and nervous and it's our job to make them feel welcomed by smiling, walking with them and introducing them to our other students.
Being friendly, well dressed and well spoken during introduction.
I use to do this and now I think it is time to start using folders again on the first day. I found it is a great way to manage all of the program handouts!
Big smile, saying hello, how is everyone today, ask how their weekend was etc.
Before my students enter the class, I have the class objectives on the board, along with my name and contact information, resource recommendations, homework, and a brief description of the next day's objectives.
Along with a smile, eye contact, and a firm handshake, the students know immediately that I am organized and have their student success in mind.
First impressions have to be maintained. It's important to start every class with a good first impression.
Pietro,
The ring of fire could work!
Jeffrey Schillinger
I set up a ring of fire and jump through it. just kidding. this is onteresting. Many of our students already have an impression of us before they walk into our class. I have noticed that our students also do their research about us.
an impression can already be set.
A smile and maintaining eye contact with the students and address them by name if possible!
Larry,
Thank you for sharing this post. It provides excellent advice.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I like this style. Mine is just about the same.
I meet the students in the lobby of our building. I'm more professional than usual. Introducing myself and having them do the same. I shake their hand, give a brief discussion on what we will accomplish, a few lesson handouts and a brief tour of the areas we will be in. Each staff member will ask each student a question that gets them thinking. The student will give them the answer by the end of the 1st day. That sets the tone for the semester.
making a better first impression can be achieved with following the principles of professionalism. I think of professionalism as a self esteem topic and take pride in your appearance as well as establishing of expectations for behavior. Being friendly and open yet maintain professionalism through your appearance go a long way in setting the expectations for success to students. Remember that earlier the course discussed the Mentorship and this align with that principle.
It is said that when you go for a job interview, 90% of the interview is over the first few seconds you walk into the room. The interview committee has already developed a first impression by your dress or appearance, demeanor, and how you carry yourself. When you meet students for the first time whether at orientation or in the classroom, they are the interview committee. They are sizing you up and developing an idea what kind of instructor you are going to be. If you don't greet the students and just start in taking attendance, they know they are in trouble and maybe you as the instructor may not be approachable.
Michael,
Consider starting every class perod tinking anbout this and your students will always get your best.
Jeffrey Schillinger
As I thought about this question I wondered what causes me to react positively to others when I first meet them. Friendliness, communicated by saying hello with a smile and eye contact makes me react to somebody else in a positive manner. An upbeat tone of voice is also helpful. I attempt to use these same techniques when trying to form a positive first impression with my students.
A first impression can be made by a smile, body language, non verbal and verbal communication. Appearance, students like to know that their instructors are prepared physically and mentally. Materials related to the class as well as with the tone of voice.
Candy,
Well said. The simple things are often the most effective.
Jeffrey Schillinger
