Setting up the classroom before the students even arrive is very important to me. I feel that making sure classroom or lab is neat and organized and the necessary materials are readily available for the students' use not only makes the impression that I am organized and competent, but assures that class will start on time and go smoothly. This is important for every class meeting, but even more so on the first class. I find being prepared translates into a confidence that makes it easier to greet students in a professional yet friendly and relaxed manner.
Dorothy,
This sounds like an effective way to start a class. What are some other things you do to establish a positive learning environment?
Jeffrey Schillinger
On the first day of class with a new group of students, I start the class off with "line-up" attendance (something we do to check uniforms, etc. while we take attendance). As I mark each student present and dismiss them from the line, I make a point to shake each one's hand, look them in the eye and welcome them (by name) to the class. After line-up, I introduce myself again to the group and give them a brief history of me, my work experience, and how I got "here". I feel like this develops a raport with the students, and helps them feel more comfortable in a new setting with a new "boss".
I make the students confortable. When the class start I welcome them and name them individually by their first name
It is even quicker than that according to the book Blink. In less that a second, they get a subconscious feeling. Thus, all nonverbals are important. How you look, your body posture, they way you walk, the smile, and eye contact.
I believe I sent the tone for my first impression by modeling the part. If you look the part you can sell it. I'm there, organized, ready to go, smile on my face and never let them see you sweat!
On the first day of class we spend a fair amount of time getting to know eachother before we go over the class material.
I can gauge the class personality much better this way.
I tell a few stories about me and my experiences in the school and the work field that they are studying .This has helped put my students at ease and made a difference in how the comfort of my students.
In 2-5 seconds there is time for eye contact and a smile, but also I think that includes as they walk into the room and whether or not the room is set up and of course to make sure I'm a perfect example of what I'm looking for in my students.
I do appreciate this statement, because I feel it has much truth to it, even in the online environment. First impressions are very important, particularly in setting the tone, comfortable environment, and addressing the goals and objectives of the course.
In the online environment, I set my first impression in my first course announcement. I like to call it the 'Big Picture' Announcements to communicate to my students my experiences as a learner, a little personal information about myself, so that the students get the gauge that I am a real person, and I make mention of the objectives and most importantly, why I enjoy teaching the course.
I post my Welcoming announcement, with my introduction, and I also post this in the Student lounge. I find that by telling the students a little bit about myself, I can identify with them, especially sharing the same experiences of being online learners and keeping their vision towards the end goal. I do believe that this can be created in a first impression.
Cheers
Dr. E. Somnarain
The first thing students need to see is their instructor well dressed and sharply groomed. At
the very least, they know the guy cares about himself, and probably will extend that caring out
to them also.
When making a positive first impression, smile and unhurried. Make students feel that they are the major attraction. Indentify something about each student that warrants a complement.
One way to make a positive impression is to dress for success. Look sharp. Appearance is imporatant as well as attitude and behavior. Answer questions promptly, give positive feedback and show enthusiasm.
A warm-trutfull handshake on the first day of class as you meet your students tells tham that you dont feel superior to them and that you are going to work with them throughout the course.
First off, make sure your uniform (we wear uniforms at work) is clean and pressed. Don't come to class looking scraggly. Be clean shaven and if you have a mustache or beard, make sure it's trimmed. When a student walks into your class, greet that person immediately and smile. Always look and act professional. Also make sure your classroom is arranged neatly. This I feel is also part of the first impression.
Adrienne,
You are building community. It is very important.
Jeffrey Schillinger
When I first have my class I like to find out something about them - where they are from (I have a lot of International students), what brought them into my class, and where they see themselves in 2-5 years. I do this so they see not only am I interested in them, also they may have many commonalities with others in class, hence, making them feel more comfortable with each other. I find this makes a non-threatening environment for them.
Smile as the students approach, ask how they are doing and listen to their answer. Tell them how much fun we are going to have today and when I enter the classroom, I ask "How is everyone this morning?" and then tell them how much fun we are going to have today.
Marjorie,
As teachers, we get a chance to make a good first impression at the outset of every class meeting. What are one or two things you do to get your classes off to a positive start?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Smiling is an important part of first impressions. I also agree that eye contact is really important. I also notice that for some people eye contact is very hard. I like to smile, have good eye contact and extend my hand for a friendly shake. I do say hi to anyone I see in the hallway.
Robert,
Establishing yourself as a "similar other" is a good way to build rapport.
Jeffrey Schillinger
