Hi Allen,
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.
I also think that making a good first impression can come from a professional appearance, as in the way you dress, but not being overly formal. Students tend to be a little less receptive of a professor who is wearing a very formal business suit during class. Keep it professional and personal, always smile, and command the room with a welcoming energy.
Stand up straight, smile from the heart. Be ready willing and able to direct. Students sometimes feel lost and just want to let someone else take charge for a few moments.
Wow heather what a great idea. Would love to get this started at our school.
I think an effective way of doing this is to say hi with a smile, a warm hand shake and say welcome and I am really glad you are hear or I am looking forward to our classes together.
Susan,
Thanks for sharing this post. Many online teachers have trouble making the connection with their students. These tips should help our peers.
Kevin,
I once read that teachers get to make a new "first impression" each class meeting. What are one or two things you do to get your classes off to a good start?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Ruth,
Thanks for this post. One thing I have found very effective is simply learning and using students' names. It makes a big difference.
Jeffrey Schillinger
First impressions are extremely important. They can mean the difference between a student eager to attend the class verse a student who might not come back to class.If you treat the students as adults and with respect, they will generally treat you with the same respect! It really works!
I know that when I am professionally dressed and prepared for the day ahead that I present a better image overall and it helps me personally with general attitude. Students notice, whether they mention it or not. I know that I tend toward immersing myself in my work at times which can easily be misinterpreted. I have tried to make a point of making eye contact and speaking when I cross paths with students and have found that my interaction with them overall has improved. I didn't have negative experiences previously, I just recognize more positive exchanges when I focus on making that first outreach a positive one.
I think it is important the first impression demonstrate professionalism and the ability be human and not standoffish. Eye contact and "real" and welcoming smile is very important
Working in distance education, the first impression (although not physical) is extremely important. We strive to always make a good impression by 1) responding to students as soon as possible, 2) thanking them for contacting us, 3) answering their questions completely, 4) provide information on how the student can continue to communicate with the university, 5) always wish them a good/great day. Since we cannot see our students, we have to ensure that they get a good first impression through email and over the phone. Students appreciate being responded to immediately even if it is just a brief, "I received your email and will follow up by this afternoon."
One way you can make a better first impression with your students is to clarify learning objectives and your expectations. This is probably the most important objective. Clearly laying out expectations starts to orient students toward the kind of effort, learning, performance and classroom behaviors you expect from them, and it helps them use their time productively. It will also help those students who are shopping around in deciding whether to take your course or not.
I believe smiling, using their name, and welcoming them verbally goes a long way in that first impression.
I try to ask them a question in that first meeting (usually as to why they chose this field) in order to establish interest and caring.
This is always a kind of hard for me, since I want to be true, at the same times, I want o be honest to all of them. Well, introduction is always not easy to talk about yourself, so I intent just to ask everyone to introduce themselves then after that, I introduced my self. And somehow it's always not easy to talk about yourself.
I am still working on this one, still trying to learn from you all.
By setting the standard for my classroom. I like to lead be example.
Philippe,
We get a new chance to make a "first impression" each time we start class. What do you do to make the first few minutes of class memorable?
Jeffrey Schillinger
the first impression its very important i see with my student when i teach foundation 1 they will always remenber me thru the entire school years even if i dont teach them again
Brenda,
Thanks for illustrating a teacher can have high standards without being mean. Some folks think than "nice" and "demanding" are mutually exclusive.
Jeffrey Schillinger
The senior class always tell the new students that I am mean just to frighten them. I am strict & run an organized classroom. After the students actualy meet me, see my sense of humor & passion & knowledge & see who I really am, they look forward to coming to class. Every day is an adventure & they never know what to expect.
I truly believe if you are the first to smile and look that person in the eye it will make them more comfortable with you right off the bat. People can sense the warmth of a smile and if it heart felt or not. You must also look and act professional. People need to feel that you are approachable. With this said, I do like getting the first students who enroll into our school. I make them feel welcomed right away and also every day they come to our school. I try and greet them first and always thank them. I shake their hand when they leave and thank them again. I explain that they will be the future leaders of this industry and that a true leader is one who will still do the right thing when no is looking or better yet, when no one is around. I encourage them to shoot for the stars because if they miss, they can grab the moon on the way down. I feel with this type of attitude and method of portraying myself to the student, right from the start, they in turn will try to mimic my attitude to help them in their future.
