Being on time, starting on time and being fully prepared for class.
First impression set the tone for the courses you teach. First I think you need to lead by example and if you expect your students to look professional than you need to look the part. Greet your students as they come to your class, this makes them feel important and more confortable. Be prepaired, having books course material and power points on and ready to go when their scheduled start time begins says alot for how well you are prepaired to teach the course. Keep your class room clean and orderly, if your room looks sloppy, your students will most likely be sloppy. There are many things a student perceives in those first 2 to 5 seconds, make that time count.
Richard,
I am of the opinion that the first few minutes of each class meeting gives us a new chance to make a first impression. Is there anything you do to start your classes with a bang?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Smile, say hello give your name and ask the student his name. Also, strike up a friendly short conversation that will show the student you are interested in him and his reasons for enrolling in the school.
Be prepared for class. Be honest and receptive making eye contact and adressing each student in the class with a smile .
I actually take the opposite direction. I am not all smiles and happy, I am quite, stern and unapproachable. I speak very low and maintain a constant tone. I have found that this will confuse students to the point of boarder line madness. All the policies and expectations are laid out for the course. I do this because I want the tone set that this is not a playground. This to date has been very effective with classroom management and maintaining order (especially since we are a culinary school, which requires a higher level of discipline). Over the coming days I than begin to interject humor, get to know my students personally and develop trust between us. By the end of the term, I am their favorite instructor and they continue to come to me for advice, guidance or to vent.
Christopher,
This is an unusual approach. Most of the time, I have found it possible to have high expectations and a friendly environment at the same time.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I understand, one of the motivating factors is the background from which a majority of my students come from. These are environments that have little or no structure. Historically I have found (hence why I continue practicing it) that the more structure, guidance and discipline there is, the more prone they are to keep themselves engaged. The objectives and approach are very similar to that of the military, this creates not only inner-discipline, but a sense of pride and accomplishment. They also begin to hold themselves to a higher standard which being not only a father but a teacher is my biggest goal. I always tell my students that they should not do the right thing because they were forced to, they should do it because it’s in their nature to do so, without question. From a retention standpoint I have one of the highest attendance percentages in the school and one of the lowest attrition rates per course, per term. I do want to stress that most of the points made I respect and do practice, just a little differnt delivery. I am also refered to as "DAD" by most of my kids, because I am "Fair, but Firm". In all truth, I really do love them and treat them as my own.
The week before class begins, I send a 'welcome' letter then the first day of class, I greet my students at the door with a smile and a welcome token. The token can be used for 3 bonus points on their lowest test grade.
Michele,
A simple but effective technique. Thanks for sharing this idea.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have my instructors on Finals week go to their next students classes and introduce themselves and talk to them about their upcoming class. showing enthusiasm and answering an questions to reduce any anxiety before the new class starts. Also we send out emails to all students, as a welccoming letter to their next class from their instructor, that seems to build a good first impression.
I bring to class a smile, eye contact, positive attitude and proper uniform.
Heather,
Great stuff! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Most of my student hear about me before they have me for class so they already have a first impression before they meet me. I do great my students when they come into class with a smile and have good eye contact. I do talk to them briefly about how they are doing, how classes are going. When they ask a question of me I answer it. When the whole class arrives I introduce myself again with a smile on my face and give them my background. They can then ask any questions.
I beleive the first impression of a person is the last. People tend to access a person from what they first hear from a persons mouth, and how they look.
Jacqueline,
Based on your statement, students wull make qick judgements. What is it you do to manage that first impression?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I believe a big smile and upbeat attitude will help make a great first impression. You want to show the students you care about them and also that you are energetic and excited to teach them, and care about their success.
Danielle,
What are some specific things you do during a lesson to demonstrate "caring?"
Jeffrey Schillinger
Obviously I smile and say hello...however, when I first meet a student I ask them their name. I repeat the name and hold out my hand for a shake and say the following "Hello...Susie Q, it is so nice to meet you, my name is Carey and I am here to assist and support you in your education and I can't wait to see you walk across the stage at graduation" This helps me to remember names and faces as well as lets them know that I am open and approachable.
Carey,
Nice plan. Thanks for sharing it.
Jeffrey Schillinger
