First Impressions
It can take a few seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. Your students form an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, your speech, and how you are dressed. Your attitude is subconsciously evaluated in as much as your attentiveness is. The key to a good impression is to present yourself appropriately. This is demonstrated in how well you “blend in with†your surroundings. A winning smile is highly recommended, as it can conceive a notion of comfort between student and instructor. Moreover, our candor and confidence can present as an ideal of ease in the transference of knowledge. This can help the students feel as though they are getting “their monies worth of formal educationâ€.
-TWB
Jennie,
Simple and well written and essential that we understand the importance of this statement in relation to our instructional planning.
Gary
There is never a second opportunity to give a first impression.
I make the first assignment on the first day is for the entire class to come up with a team name, a team dance, a team song, and a team motto and a mission statement. I find that it gives the students a sense of community from the first day and I usually will call the class collectively by the name they select, I have found that it has helped with attrition rates and the students are excited about being part of a team I have been doing that for about two years and I have had students once they have completed their program come back later and talk about that it is great.
Tracy,
They really do. I think it is because you are reinforcing what they are learning through examples you are sharing based upon your own work experience.
Gary
Students enjoy when we share our anecdotal stories; stories which can inspire the ideal of improvement. They also see the imperfection of their instructors, or the fact that instructors are "people too".
-Tracy
Nina:
Thank you for your response. Students will interpret your meaning within your smile. Trying to learn names is always appreciated, as it demonstrates an adept attitude!
-Tracy
I have found that sharing a bit of myself and telling my students,how through my life it has payed not to take my mistakes too seriously, learning from them and move on makes me a more approachable teacher and makes them feel at ease on first day. Also being happy ( and showing it!!) for being there makes a difference too.
I agree and would add that the creating a student:teacher relationship whereby the instructor is perceived to be approachable is a key to the success of the student. Coming in early and greeting students with a smile helps with this perception. Also, take time to know there names.
