Get Your Students Hired
Gary,
Thanks for this post. One of the best ways for a teacher to make a positive first impression is to conduct a dynamic class during the first meeting of the term. Too many folks spend the entire period going over "the rules" and never get to why the students are there in the first place.
We can work the rules into the first few lessons as we set expectations for the term.
Smile and use positive body language and talk to the student and then listen intently to what he is saying.
Katlin,
Thank you for this post. The transition from admissions to academics is a tough challenge at most career colleges. We have to make sure that the picture created during the admission process matches what we deliever in academics.
Some colleges hold a faculty night either before the term starts or just after it begins during which new students get to meet with their faculty members on a more focused basis. families are invited.
I think we do a good job of first impressions (which, as we know, is in the admissions process). We need to do a better job with the transition between admissions and enrollment into actual student status. Personally, I need to do a better job of connecting with the students the second they enter the building or room, rather than looking harried or stressed.
Thanks, Ronald.
The very first class meeting each term is very important to student success. Far too often, all we do is review the syllabus and go over the rules.
While those things are important, it is also important to hit the ground running with a well-planned and well-delivered lesson covering course material that first day. It sets the tone for the rest of the term.
I always greet my class with a smile standing upright in the front center of the classroom. Since I am the department chair I usually know most of the students. I go out of my way to chat with any new students in the class before the session begins. After a brief course introduton I ask the students to discuss their concerns about the subject matter and to ask me any questions they may have about the course and/or my teaching methods. Once this icebreaker is completed I discuss the syllabus and course outcomes.
I believe one must always rememeber that personal issues stay outside the school. We must always present a happy and warm environment at all times and make everyone who walks through the door feel welcome.
The first impression students have of an instructor may be influenced by what an instructor’s former students have shared with their peers. Depending on the size of the college, or your department, there may be a lot of opportunity for sharing. One of the ways to improve first impressions with students is to be a consistent role model and remain approachable and genuine…and to be aware that while your first impression in the classroom is critical, your “reputation” can proceed you as well as follow you, so make it a habit to be congruent about the impression you give at all times.
I always spend the first few minutes of each class talking to the students on a more personal level. I believe this helps them feel more at ease and ready to learn the material for the class.
Tommy
To set the tone for the day a good first impression needs to be made every day, not just the first time you meet your class.
Christina,
Thank you for this post. Beyond a pleasant smile and kind hello, what do you do during the first few class meetings to ensure that your students have a favorable first impression of your course and your college?
I believe the best first impression you can make is a smile and of course to say hello. I know if someone smiles at me I want to smile back. I would not want to be known as the person who looks miserable and unhappy all the time.
I allways make sure and meet each student at the door with a smile and a good morning or how are things going for you.
I have had to learn this the hard way. I was not born a naturally outgoing person but have discovered the skill can be learned. As a new Director of Education (DOE) several years ago I received feedback on a student survey that said: "Tell the DOE to look up, smile and say "Hi!" when he is walking down the hall!" Ouch - that hurt! I have tried hard since then to be proactive, to be the first to greet students, to get up from my desk and meet students touring the campus, to use first names whenever possible, to inquire about personal issues when appropriate, to share a laugh or a story, to be liberal with words of praise or encouragement. It's amazing how others brighten when you make the first move, especially when it is a positive one!
I believe I can make a first impression with my students by presenting a positive attitude and an encouraging spirit. My job entails me interacting with all of the students from the first day of orientation until they complete their training programs. I like to smile and greet them in hopes that they feel welcome and feel like they are important to us. To me, all of this can be done within 2 to 5 seconds.
I believe first impressions are very important. I try to teach/lead by example. I arrive early to class, I am always dressed professionally and I am ready to begin class at the appropriate time.
For the new student-I always introduce myself to them, shake their hand, and ask them to share why they chose my program for their studies. I then discuss all the employment possibilities in THEIR chosen field. This gets them excited to get started in school and opens them up to setting goals for their future.
The moment I meet my students, I start to make an excellent first impression. It could be during orientation or the first day of the module. As time goes by, I know that my students will never forget the first time I met them. I know because I always had a chance to ask former students what they thought of me and what I was teaching the first time we met...
Customer service is my number one priority. From being polite and courteous, to knowing the the customer's wants and needs, setting examples to our students ensures future excellence in customer relations.
One way is to have some information about the student before meeting them; ask the admissions for their files or have admissions introduce the new students to the instructors so the instructor quickly can engage the student on their own terms and having background to them will provide a direct connection with the student. Of course smiling and listening first.