Creating a positive image
Being an instructor, students look up to us as their model. We have to show confidence in what we do. As soon as I enter the class I smile and greet them a cheerful day. I say something funny to wake up the class before anything else. If there is a game in season I try to watch the news recap so the next day I can start the day with an interesting conversation.
Any new song that they are playing in the radio, I ask them what is the title of that song or who sang the song. Anything just to start the ball rolling. Some of our lectures are long so I make sure I crack a joke to keep the students listening.
Hi Holly,
Students want to know that you truly care about them. Great questions to ask to help rapport building. I also like to compliment my students to establish rapport, such as don't you look nice, beautiful dress, nice slacks, very becoming haircut, etc. Students like it when you pay them some attention.
Patricia
During my first year as an instructor, I found that asking my students about their weekend every Monday also helped to establish a rapport with them. Getting to know about each indivisual, their families and asking about their children assured them that I cared about them.
I start each class by asking each student as they enter the classroom "How are you?", "What's new?", "Are you feeling better?", (obviously for students who were absent due to illness), I have found that this lets my students know that they are not just a name, and it shows my interest in them.
Hi Rachel,
I tell you what is another easy approach, make it a point to have small talk with each student every class period...very effective approach as well.
Patricia
It seemed like inconsequential advice to me when I first started teaching, but after trying out this approach, I saw immediate positive feedback. In my education classes, I was told that it's a great idea to stand in the doorway and greet all of your students as they come in the room, making eye contact with each. It does seem to have a very positive effect, and each student responds particularly well when I use their name with the greeting. It seemed to easy to be effective, but it really helped/helps me.
I find it instructive to bring up a course relevant topic for a very brief discussion. In my experience,this demonstrates professionalism, relevancy, and and current awareness.
I agree with what has been said. The instructor should also continue to be creative in the delivery. Some methods to use or the following:
1) Games
2) Allow students to answer questions by writing their answers on the board.
3)Form teams or groups for more interaction.
4)Create flash cards.
5) Assign terms to students and ask them to try to define them and use the terms in a sentence.
