First day I like to introduce myself give abrief descreption of my professional life real work stories some amuesing try to keep it professonal.Then I give each student some time to talk about themselves. The stories are usually brief but I feel the students receive the feeling that we are interested in them as a person and enhances the learning experience.
First day I like to introduce myself give abrief descreption of my professional life real work stories some amuesing try to keep it professonal.Then I give each student some time to talk about themselves. The stories are usually brief but I feel the students receive the feeling that we are interested in them as a person and enhances the learning experience.
I am the same way I will go out of my way to make sure I get their name right and also just asking how everyone is doing goes a long way
The first impression is the most important. The first thing you want the student to see is that you want to be here with them and you are eager to have them in you class first day be at the class room door for a meet and greet to make them feel welcome. They will see first thing that you expect them to be on time as you were waitin for them and thaat you care enough to be early.
Preparation. Preparation. Preparation.
You must show that you are interested in the student and excited about your job. Outside of the normal smiling and greeting, the instructor should always become familiar with each student and become a mentor for all students.
One of my main priorities is to keep regular contact with the students. In addition to posting to class discussion at least every other day, I check and respond to emails and messages from students (or posted to the questions forum) at least twice daily. Additionally, I post reminders about upcoming deadlines and update students as to what feedback has been posted or when to expect the next round of grades and feedback. Finally, I review "attendance" once weekly and email those students that have not logged on within the past couple days to make sure they're not encountering technical or time management issues.
Nice post, Victoria.
I try to remind my faculty that every day gives us a chance to make a new first impression that establishes an environment that either faciltates or hinders learning for that day. Teachers need to do things at the outset of each class period, or online unit, that puts students in the mood to learn.
What are some things that you do to accomplish this?
A pleasant disposition is key to making a good first impression with students. In a traditional classroom setting, I stood outside the classroom door the first day of classes. I smiled and greeted each student that walked by, and I welcomed those students heading into my own class. The goal was to make my classroom inviting and less intimidating. In most cases I at least got a mumbled "hi" and small smile, but that's at least a positive place to start!
Online, it's a bit more challenging. I post an introduction about myself, my background, and my interests prior to the first day of class. On the first day of class, I email each student a little hello and welcome message with reminders to post their own introduction and double check they have the correct book for the course. Finally, during the first week I make sure to respond to each student's introduction so that they can recognize that I am interested in getting to know them better. Online I would argue that it takes longer for the students to develop their impression of the instructor, so I make a concerted effort to always respond promptly, pleasantly, and thoroughly to any questions or comments so that the student I am interested and present despite the inherent distance created by our classroom.
Great topic! Its important to have a good smile and acknowledge everyone's name. Customer service is king for everything from gum to college.
You can make a good impression by practicing what you preach. Clean cut and professional, smile, speak to everyone you pass. Show the students that you enjoy your job and take it seriously.
Shauna,
Thank you for this post. It is important for all faculty members, especially those who are online, to reach out and build rapport.
This is a great question Jeffrey, especially since I am online as we are always trying to find ways to reach our students personally. I think the best way to reach your students early in the course is to share something personal about yourself at the beginning of the course introductions. Be sure to read through and address each of the students as they post their introductions by asking them about their personal interests, hobbies, family situations, etc. This will make the student feel comfortable and also personally connected to the instructor in some way. It seems to work well, but like I said, I am always looking for new ways to break the ice! :)
On the first day of school I like to ask the students "why they chose to become a nail tech."
I always find the anwsers interesting and then I like to tell them why I became a nail tech and what it has meant to me.
eye contact right off the bat, and smile as i walk in the room.
By following and upholding school policies at all times
Always start & end with a smile! It goes a long way...a smile! :)
Acknowledge the students instantly and speak to them with a positive and exciting manner.
Theresa, I like this approach. I have done something similar with jelly beans. I bring in a big jar of jelly belly jelly beans and tell each student to take as much as they like but not eat them yet. Once everyone has gotten their jelly beans they have to introduce themselves and tell us one thing about themselves for each jelly bean they took. But you do have to mix it up as the next class coming in gets the scoop and they will only take one jelly bean because they have been warned. It is a lot of fun and starts the class off with everyone talking.
Steven,
One of my mentors explained that we have to make a new "first impression" every day. Are there some things you do during the term to maake a great first impression that day?
