Greet them BY NAME, and with a smile, and good eye contact.
Cassandra,
How do you determine what each of your students expects from you and the institution?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Seth,
Nice post. No matter what they have done or how "wrong" they may seem, our students are alwys our customers and always must be treated with respect.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Tyler,
There are studies that show humans retain morewhen learning or a memory is attached to a strong emotion. Appropriate humor in a classroom can credte the kind of atmosphere in which learning can be more effective as laughter creates emotion.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I set very clear expectations at the very beginning and make sure they understand that if they work hard to meet my expectations, I will do my best to meet theirs.
Student customers need to be treated with respect 100% of the time, even if the student is acting out, or behaving in an unprofessional manner. It is up to us as educators to use these moments as teaching opportunities. In these moments we have a chance to teach students about professionalism. Students can learn how to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Which in my mind makes them more marketable as an employee. By treating students with 100% respect at all times, you model good professional behavior. This hopefully becomes a learning experience for the student to carry with them into the job market.
I think just simply asking how everyone's weekend went or something personal. I do like to use humor at times to help break the tention, especially on stressful days.
Tyler,
Thanks for this post. I like to remind my faculty that we get to make a new "first impression" at the start of each class meeting. What are some things you do to get class meetings started on a good note?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I think you can make a better first impression by simply creating more opportunities for interaction. We can sometimes judge quickly on first impressions, but they are not always accurate because we haven't spent the time to get to know one another.
Christi,
Try to be in the dorrway or halway at the beginning of every class meeting. Another simple technique is to briefly speak to each student when you are taking attendance as well as at some point during the lesson.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Seth,
Our student-customers need to be treated with professionaism and respect 100% of the time, even if the student is in the wrong or acting out.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I think thatthis is a great piece of advice that i will use in may classroom. I am usually right at the board on the first day of class, but waiting by the door to greet the students is a good tip.
One must always be sure that you are exercising customer care. It will always serve you if you make your students feel welcome. Acknowledge that they are there and that they are welcome. Greet them with a smile and make them feel good about being at school. They will feel more comfortable with you and with the school. This will create a comfortable confident student.
The first impression that I would like my students to have of me is that I am firm but approachable and considerate.
Catasha,
I like to remind my faculty members that we need to make a new "first impression" at the beginning of each class meeting.
Jeffrey Schillinger
First Impression are everlasting and long lasting, how we interact with student will develop positive or negative impact with a student so I try very hard to always to leave a positive on any situation with an first encounter very helpful when the student is having a bad day they may not see the good you have for them then but your smile carries a lot of weight.
I agree. The first impression, is the main impression. The imagine you set is always thought of when your referenced.
By being the best you from the start, and being a consistant factor.
Better first impression; Being real, honest, and positive- even with the constructive criticism
Take the time to personally know each student, the goals they wish to accomplish in this course, and explain the support systems in place to help them along the way. Having the first lesson well-prepared and organized is also crucial.
