Thanks, David.
There are a lot of students who "need" the teacher to be organized in order for them to be successful. Teachers need to make sure students know the plan each day and can tell where they are on the plan.
First impressions last a lifetime. I provide an environment conducive to learning where students can express themselves and be creative to bring out the best in their abilities.
The best way to form a good first impression for students is to be well prepared, enthusiastic, and professional. The combination of these three things will be an overwhelming force in creating a positive first impression that will draw in students to your teachings.
Dressing the part is important as well. Students are dressing more and more casual but we need to project a professional image. I teach online, my students rarely see me…. Yet I try to wear a tie to work daily.
Having some aspect of the class pre-set up sends the message to students that you were prepared for your class. So having a flip chart, model, or some interactive tool on day one shows students you are prepared. That preparation sets a positive "first impression"
Never forget your surroundings!!! How many times have we seen or been a part of a discussion with colleagues outside of closed doors where discussions about topics that should be "not so specific" or the need of a colleague to "relieve emotions" occur with students present....
A first impression is not necessarily one on one, it is the overall impression we make whenever on campus. So be mindful of your surroundings, and of all interactions with students, as First Impression may be upon us and we may not be cognizant of them...
I always start off with a joke or something funny to say. It gets them in a good mood and I have just captured their attention.
I am firm believer that a smile is the best first impression anyone can make. It makes the person more approachable and less intimidating.
First impressions are everything, it is important to smile, be positive, and to make eye contact, speek clearly, and most importantly treat everyone with respect. Greeting students on the first day also makes a good positive impact.
In order to gain a positive "first impression" with my students, I usually introduce myself and give eye contact to my students after I ask each student to introduce him/her self and tell us why he/she is taking the class "what's your goal from my class." this tends to always create a friendly environment in my class and hence a positive first impression.
A smile, a hello, or possibly a kind gesture are a few of the ways to create a positive first impression. I also believe that having a welcoming classroom with student work hanging around will help to create a good first impression.
I agree with Paul. It is very important to learn the names of our student's from the very beginning. Here are the things that I do on Day 1:
1. Introduce myself and the course. I usually tell a funny story about myself and my experiences here.
2. Go around the room and play a name game. One name game that I often use is to have each person describe him/her self by using the first letter of his/her name. For example: My name is Theresa and I like tomatoes! The second person will have to introduce me, then introduce themselves. The third person will need to introduce the both of us, then introduce him/herself. I always make it a point to go both first and last. My students have a lot of fun with this one.
3. Finally we go over the course syllabi and expectations.
I feel being direct and open with well defined expectations helps to set the tone of the class room and makes for a very responsible yet professional first impression.
Thanks, Darryl. Starting the day off positive can set a good tone for the entire class period.
Always, Always, greet them with a "Hello" and spend a couple of minutes "just talking". A great question to ask is "What's going well?". Try it. So positive of a question!
Darryl,
These are great things to do. What are some things you do during the term to make a good first impression each day?
Definitely smile and say hello and welcome. Ask their name and introduce yourself while offering a sincere hand shake.
That first impression will determine if the student will be interested in coming back. Very important. The student must feel comfortable, safe and motivated every day he/she comes to school. I always have a smile on my face, the students never see me angry or upset and I always find time to listen to them.
Treating them professionally/as an equal I have also found that changing your greeting to make it more personal tells the student you are trying to be personal not just reciting a written motto.
