Looking the student in the eye and engaging in conversation let's them know that you are interested in them as a person.
by smiling and acknowleging they as they come in to class it shows you are ready to get to know them and help them in their studies
Marcia,
Thank you for this post. The "little things" you mention here are not little at all.
Jeffrey Schillinger
First impressions are extremely important! Part of my job is to meet with the student the first time they visit to answers all questions from what a typical day will be like to financial issues. When my appointment/potential student walks in and says, "I have a appointment with ...", I always call them by name and greet them with a smile. People like to hear their own name, it makes them feel special. Body language and eye contact are key as well.
I always greet a person with a smile and a good morning. The more you do this it will start to make a difference. I have some quite students and I started to do this with and now they will smile at me before I can. It is awesome.
Jonathan,
Taking the first step is always the way to go!
Jeffrey Schillinger
Be the aggressor. I don't mean aggressive but initiate the contact by saying hello and smiling. Let the student know you care immediately.
first impressions are everything, if you look like you know what you are doing, everyone assumes you know what you are doing..
Simle, greet every student as they enter the class acknowledge student that are showing up for class early.
Clayton,
These are techniques that work and should be repeated every time students come to class.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Make a strong first impression on the first day of school, the first moment you get to meet the students. I like greeting students at the door, handshakes, hellos, simple conversations. I like to welcome students into my classroom.
I am always the first person in the classroom. I have soft music playing and I always greet my students with a smile and a welcome.
Stephen,
Building a real sense of community makes a huge difference in results.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Being confident in your program and making the students feel that this is their "home' environment while they are learning. Making them feel welcome and part of the campus culture helps a lot- Stephen
Jaime,
Thanks for this post. That smaile probably should be on display every day you are with students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I always make sure on the first day of class I walk in with a big smile on my face and welcome everyone. I tell them how interesting the semester is going to be. I tell them a bit about myself and have them tell me about themselves so I can get to know them. This seems to open up a good rapport with them from the start. It seems to make them feel more comfortable.
see yourself through your students eyes, are you smiling, prepared, are you in a "good" mood? Is the material presented in an organized fashion. I haver a lsit on the board everyday of the objective for that day, they always know what to expect.
On the first day of class, I stand at the door and greet each student as they come in and give each one of them a Smarties candy. I tell them they were smart to come to school today! I also in my beginning class, try to learn their names by the second class, sometimes I can do it in the very first class. I use their names when I call on them so it helps me learn the names and it gives them the idea that I care about them which I do!
Stephanie,
We have a chance to make a new "first impression" every time we are getting ready to start class.
Jeffrey Schillinger
You can make a better first impression by smiling, standing tall, greet the student by their first name, and give a firm handshake as you look them in the eye. I beleive this is how you can make a better first impression.
