It can also show students how being neat and clean is professional and not necessarily having the latest styles and trying to be trendy.
Be on time , be presentable , approchable,knowledgeable,greetful,ready for class,confident,good attitude opon arrival,greet them at the door, look them in the eyes when talking to them.
I've found that better response comes from treating people as they would wish to be treated. Also demonstrating a professional appearance provides positive response.
Thank you, Stephen.
What are some things you do at the beginning of a class meeting to establish a good "first impression" for that course?
Knowing, that the window only permits a 2-5 second first-time glance and subsequent first impression, only liberates one through such knowledge. I can handle 2-5 seconds; who could not. I am left with the impression, however, that a first time impression is far less important that the second and third and subsequent impressions, which are made fresh everyday. Any thoughts?
I prepare for first impressions. A smile, professional attire, careful choice of words go a long way. I am very careful with how I address each student because if I am confident in my ability to direct or teach my student then has confidence in the course. I really believe attitude is infectious and as a leader I set the tone. Because of that I take my role seriously.
If you expect your students to be professional and work hard, you must model that behavior. So on the first day I make sure I am early to class, professionally dressed, prepared, and respectful. I take a large portion of that first day evaluating my students, such as learning their name, their likes/dislikes, concerns about the class, etc. This helps break the ice. I also have them take a learning styles quiz to provide them with some insight on what they can do to be more successful in the course.
Smile & look them in the eye, welcome them and ask them their name. Tell them something about the class and have fun with them.
You only get that one time to make a first impression. Smile, be friendly, have good body language, show interest in what the student is saying, be attentive, have a good attitude, look professional. Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times. Lead by example!
My goal on the first day of class is always to be completely ready for the class with syllabus, materials, and expectations. As long as I am completely ready, I can focus entirely on greeting my students and talking to them.
The students are often anxious and/or exited about the class. For those who are anxious, I am being as confident and as positive as I can be in an effort to make them feel at ease. I can also entertain them some to alleviate their anxiety and get them exited. Students' exitement and positivity is contageous, so I want to promote that by being exited and positive about the class myself.
On the first day, my goal is to be a role-model in my preparedness and in my attitude. For me to make a better first impression, I might work on a way for students to better visualize their success. This goes especially for students with anxiety. I might create a way to explain that every student who has ever wanted to do well in my class, has indeed done so, and that whatever challenges they may face, we can find a solution that ensures their success. We always do.
The first impression sets the stage. Creating a welcoming atmosphere, being prepared and showing good planning are keys to success on the first day of class. Smiling, establishing eye contact, introducing the syllabus, defining the course's objectives and outcomes, communicating clearly your expectations, listening, allowing a dialogue to develop and looking for feed backs will demonstrate confidence, respect and trust where a positive instructor-student relationship could develop as the class goes on.
Let them know you are greatful that they are in your class
Be sure to smile! Have your office tidy and uncluttered.
I like to do a friendly "Hi, I'm Chef D, welcome" with a smile and a welcoming handshake and eye contact.
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.
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.
Definitely smile and say hello and welcome. Ask their name and introduce yourself while offering a sincere hand shake.
Darryl,
These are great things to do. What are some things you do during the term to make a good first impression each day?
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!
Thanks, Darryl. Starting the day off positive can set a good tone for the entire class period.
