Sir,
To make a better first impression educators must
-smile (It does not matter if they feel like it or not)
-Be engaging (Meaning ask students their names and to tell a little bit about themselves)
-Have a snack (First day of school is a HUGE day for students. As educators we should celebrate that occasion with some form of a snack...be it dunkin donuts, or cookies)
Scot,
This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing this. Your peers who take thiscourse will benefit from reading this.
Jeffrey Schillinger
When I find out what class I am teaching the next term, I try to schedule a time to visit with the class on their last day. I just pop into the class introduce myself; tell them a little bit about the class. I tell them I have the portal set up so if anyone wants to start reading over the weekend they have access to the class information. I also have a one page hand out that I leave with them that has quotes from my prior students about how to be successful in my class. At the end of each class I do my own informal survey by asking my students to write a letter to the next class sharing things they wish they had known prior to starting the class, thing to do to be successful in the class… this is where I pull the quotes from for my hand out. I find that this really helps to make a good impression with my students before they are even in my classroom.
I can make a better first impression by smiling at the student and learning there name to be able to address then by their name. This will show them I'm friendly and care about them.
Anthony,
Each class meeting gives us a chance to create a new first impression. That is why the opening activities are so important.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I n order to make the first impression count I speak with he students out in the hall before they enter the first class. I find that a less intimidating for them. I like to create a first impression every day when they arrive in class.
Smile and ask how they are doing.
Loren,
I was taught that we get to make a new "first impression" with our students every day. That is why my mentors stress being there on time, demonstrating that we are glad that we get to teach them that day. We also stress a dynamic, motivational openning activity.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I think my first impressions are pretty good! When I first meet my students, I love to smile at them and say a joyful greeting followed by asking them in return "How are you doing today?" Sometimes even a compliment or a thank you for being on time goes a long way.
To make a better first impression, you should smile, have good eye contact, show interest in the student, and look and act professional.
One essential way to form a great first impression is to control what you can and that first start with you appearance and professionalism. Soft skills and visual appears I believe give you an advantage when you are trying to make a great first impression. Additionally, ensuring your pleasant and personable to those you come in contact with strengthen the likelihood that you will make a great first impression.
Scott,
Enthusiasm cannot be faked for long. If we are genuinely excited to have new students or to see our returning students, the enthusiasm will migrate to the students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I think that being consistently excited to meet each new student can make a big impact on their first impression. If you are excited you will be smiling and be focused and present in that moment.
Tomoko,
One can be friendly, approachable, smiling and serios aboutthe topic and about student success. It is good to see that you are aware that being "serious" does not preclude one from displaying the other behaviors.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Big smile and greed every single student. I teach fashion design so I make sure I am representing "Fashion". I as well close the door when class starts to show I am very serious of what I do and what I teach.
Mr. Schillinger,
Love the discussion!
Smile! :-)ïŠ
I could end the discussion here, but for the sake of discussion, I’ll elaborate. People react positively when others around them are smiling and happy. This assumes that the happiness and smiles are genuine. It wouldn’t help to smile a student who was crying and asking for help. I’ve also taken steps to dress more professionally and model the behavior I’d like to see. I work at a trade school who’d student population is 99% male. Teachers, staff and students commonly refer to each other as “sirâ€. Students pay attention when they know they are being respected. A respectful smile, eye contact and being called sir go a long way to instill trust and respect with students.
Christina,
Beyond the smile, what are some specific "welcoming behaviors" that students withness on your campus?
Jeffrey Schillinger
First off, smile, smile, and have good open non-verbal communication. Be welcoming and encouraging.
A welcoming smile and a "How are you today?" goes a long way.
Tina,
I have often been reminded that each day everyone at the school, especially the teachers, get to make a new first impression each day.
Jeffrey Schillinger
