First impressions are extremely important. What I find works well is to send an course introductory email prior to the first day of class. I let them know I am excited to meet them, and give them information they will need to be successful on day 1 of the class.
When I start a new class I great them with a hello. In my opening remarks about myself I inform them I to was once a student here as well. I know excatly what they are going through and what it takes to be successfull here. And if they want to swap recepies for Raman Noodles I have many of them. This puts the students at ease knowing that there instructor walked in there shoes once. It also showes them I can help them to overcome obsticales in there path or point them in the right direction.
I am always in my best uniform on the first day of class, so I make an excellent visual impression, even before I speak to the students. I also make sure that i walk in with a smile on my face and am standing "Tall".
Sharon,
Pizza may be the number one retention tool in America. :)
Jeffrey Schillinger
Susie,
Smiles are simple, effective and important!
Jeffrey Schillinger
I look for their "hot button" , take note of it and find a way to use it to encourage them. For example, one student had such low attendance yet when she was in class she was always interested and did great work. Two weeks ago I challenged her to not miss another day of class. If she could meet the challenge I would award her with a pizza and soda. She was stoked! She has not missed a day since and as she said to me Friday she was dragging herself out of bed every day for that free pizza and coke.
Whatever works.
Our body language makes a big difference in whether students and fellow employees feel comfortable approaching us. When you smile it's hard to have other parts of your body language not be welcoming Looking people in the eye, smiling and asking them how things are going are great ways to encourage contact.
Sharon,
Thank you for this post. What are one or two specific things you do to show your students that their success is important to you?
Jeffrey Schillinger
After the initial introductions I tell my students how glad I am to have them in my class, that I know they all have it in them to to be a success and that I am there to encourage them in any way I can to help them achieve their goals.
I could probably lighten up and smile to make a first impression. I could have a ice braker ready. A joke, a story or maybe connect with them by telling them how I got started in this industry.
I find simply being in a positive, happy mindset really helps put them in that same state. Also, asking 'what is going well' in their lives gets the direction going positively.
i THINK WITH THE STUDENT COMING FORWARD FIRST. tHE INSTUCTIR SHOULD SHOW STRONG BODY LANGUAGE AND A WECOMING WELCOME ATTITUDE AND LET THE STUDENT BEGIN THE CONVERSATION. bY DOING THIS IT GIVES THE STUDENT RESPECT.
I think that making a positive first impression starts with the individual. If a person believes that they will make a positive first impression by mentally believing that they are approachable then the person will intuitively give the correct signals that result in a positive first impression. Believe you will and you will. I believe that you can just let your brain take over if your will is strong enough.
I try to hold good eye contact, smile, speak clearly and call the student by name whenever possible.
Andrew ,
Thanks for this post. What you describe as "militarish" is something that is commonly found at good career colleges. Keep up the good work.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I really try to have an engaging conversation and make them laugh.
As a culinary instructor, first impressions are extremely important. I set the tone by being properly dressed from my new hat, clean & ironed jacket to my polished shoes. It might seem a little militarish, but by setting the tone early-greeting the students with a firm hand shake and letting my passion for my craft show through immediately. You begin instantly to convey the message that this is a classroom of business yet we can still have fun doing what we love to do and that is to cook!
The best way to make a first impression is by smiling and speaking with a smile in your voice. Also, non-verbals play a big part in the first impression. As an instructor, I make sure that my messages are encouraging since I am 100% online.
Thanks,
Letitia Patterson
Annie,
What are some of the things that you do to in class to foster communication?
Jeffrey Schillinger
In order to make a better first impression with my students it is necessary to make direct eye contact, be an active listener, and be honest. This goes a long way with establishing a good rapport. Also, this greatly assists with fostering good two way communication.
