A First Impression is a Lasting Impression
Retention starts at the front desk with the first phone call, it carries thru admissions and into the student meeting the instructor. They need to feel the instructor has a genuine interest in the students goals. I tell my students I have a common goal with them and that is for them to be successfull.
You raise an interesting point about impressions starting with the first phone call. I feel that it is critical to have a live person answer the phone rather than an automated voice prompting you to choice from the "following selections".
How do others feel?
I have a genuine interest in my students and want them to feel welcome. I remind then that they are problem solvers, and to evaluate their own solutions to class assignments before handing them in.
A first impression is the most lasting impression a student will feel. He/She is coming into my class and may be "uneasy" about what they are about to face. I try to give them a "easy feeling when coming into my room and style of learning.
Are there some specific practices you use to welcome the incoming students to your classroom? Do you have any activities to create an "easy feeling"?
I usually teach our students' very first lab class so I'm one of their very first instructor. I feel it is very important at this point to show students that you care and that it's your goal to make them successful. It is also important that you create the proper learning environment because this first class will give them an impression of what's to come in the future. It's also important to find a balance where you can be kind and understanding but at the same time be strict as well if the situation calls for it.
I also teach the first class to incoming students and letting them know that you care and want to help them succeed is so helpful. It's important to let them know what is expected in my class and tell them that the same requirements will be expected in the classes to come. This gives them an insight to what to expect in upcoming class and in the industry they are entering.
How do you let them know you - and others at the institution - care? How do you judge their performance in this class?
I agree.
It seems to be contradictory to make a statement that we care about our students and our goal is your success ... but could you please wait for the next available representative to answer your call.
Thankfully, that is not the way things are where I work.
But how well do you define the line between feeling at ease and providing entertainment instead of education?
I agree that the student's first impression begins with the first phone call. While this impression can last for a long time, it is also important to remember that the instructor's first impression of the student can last a long time also. This can be dangerous. If an instructor immediately "decides" that a new student will not be successful, it will be difficult for that student to change that first impression of the instructor, and then the instructor will negatively affect the student's progress. It is important for instructors to not create any negative first impressions of students in order to give them a chance for success. I learned this after discovering that I was wrong about many students and needed to change my approach about them.
Unfortunately, we are all probably guilty of making quick judgments about people based on their appearance and how they present themselves. Clearly, this can be a problem not only in the classroom but also in the marketplace when seeking a job.
