first impressions
What are good ways to create first impression.
Bradley,
Yes, it is because this is how you earn their respect and start the development of rapport with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's a good idea to get to know your students on a personel level.
Jaimee,
Take what you are responsible for in the course and see if you can do something with that. For example, I saw a lab instructor walk into the class when she was introduced by the lead instructor covered with yellow sticky notes. They were all over here front, down her arms, several on her face. After her name was called and a bit told about her she then said she was going to instruct their lab experiences and that the sticky notes were to remind her to get all the supplies, equipment, and information needed so each student would have want they need in lab. This made a great first impression and it really was all done by being a bit silly with the sticky notes but the students really remembered her and the role she was to play in their education.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
May I add to the question?
What are some good ways to create a first impression when you are not the primary instructor?
Gary,
This is the human factor in teaching and you are using it in such a great way. The students see you as an interested and listening instructor and this goes a long way in earning their respect.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I take my students aside and sit down with them as a group. I ask them about there hobbies,what they like to do for unwind from the day and so on. This way I get to know them on a personal level. I always find it amazing the hardships and problems some of these kids have that I would never had known if I did not ask. Again you get closer to them and that helps earn there respect because they know you care. To me it sets a great first impression.
I think setting the tone in the class as far as what is expected from rules to the structure of the class helps. letting them how whats allow and whats not.
Everett,
Learning names early in the course is important. It is a connecting point with the students so the more effort we put into it the better. This increases the value of the students because they see themselves as being more than just students to the instructor. They see themselves as participants in a learning community and this is an important distinction for them to understand.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think a good way to create a good first impression is to introduce yourself (say your name), repeat the students' names as they introduce themselves and to continually do that. It took me about class periods to learn my students' names and since then, class is much less "stuffy." Its far easier to ask questions, promote discussion and lead the group if I can say the correct name first!
Sean,
One is to put yourself in the role of a student. Ask yourself what do you want to know, see and experience the first class meeting and then plan for how you will answer these questions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
