Robert,
A few seconds makes all the difference when building rapport.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Usually, I start with a smile, a friendly 'Hello' and I even ask the student how they are doing today. The conversation may only last a few seconds, but the student seems to appear more relaxed after the exchange.
You can give an positive impression by:(a) Smilling, direct eye contact and saying in a pleasant business tone Hello. Your appearance will also play an important part in this first impression. Make sure that you are dressed accordingly.(business casual)
I agree eye contact is very important. It shows the person that you are really listening to what they have to say.
I try to be exceptionally enthusicatic about the course(s) that I am teaching to let my students know that they are in a good program and its an exciting profession. I also like to be very friendly each day by saying hello to each student and trying to make some small talk.
Make sure to smile at the student and say "Hey, how are you?" and to wait for the resonse so that the student knows that I actually what to know how they are.
Guy,
Walking the talk is important. Thanks for pointing that out.
Jeffrey Schillinger
John,
That sounds like a great way to get their attention! I always ask my faculty members to consciously give students a reason to come to the next class meeting.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I am always dressed properly at the start of each class and great my students at the door with a smile and hello or comment to each. This lets them know I expect them to be in dress code compliance and provides some quick interaction with each student on a personal level.
Smile say hello and shake hands or pat on the back.
Excite them about what they will learn. Example the first criminalistics class I teach I enter the room and develop a latent print on the glass section of the door and then tell them they will be able to do this them selves.
John,
It sounds like time well spent to me. Thanks for sharing.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I do try and look profesional. I stand and welcome each new student. I thank them for chosing my course/program and at that time give them reasons why they have made a good choice.
Our classes are 3 weeks long, I go over all 15 days letting the students know what we will be doing and what time schedual they will be placed on.
I know this is not done in 2-5 seconds but I feel if gives the students that this class has worth.
Tracey,
Learning names is a good start to building positive rapport. What are some other things you do to accomplish this goal?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I smile and greet each student at the door on the first day of the term, trying to remember each of their names as they walk in the room. By the end of the week, I make sure I remember their names to make them feel important.
All it takes is a hello and how are you to get the student/teacher relationship working.
I agree with Todd on the eye engagement.That tells the student that you are interested in what they have to say which in turn will create a better learning environment.
Before I start class I set down and just talk with my students to see how they are doing as a class. I ask them how their lives are outside of school and how their families are doing. I also let them know if they need anything to let me know and i will help if I can. Education is not just about books and lab. It is about good relationships that are made for life time.
On the first day I introduce myself.I also give them a little history on myself. I have each student give me a little history of themselves.
I try to make then feel at ease in the class roon.
Ditto to some answers already give. Smile, show approachability, and be neatly dressed.
