Get Your Students Hired
Get there early and greet them as they come in the door. Dress in a clean organized fashion appropriate for the instituition. Stand up straight when in front of the class. Make direct eye contact if speaking to a specifc person. Tell them stories of success as well as real life stories of situations that did not go well. Explain how you rectified the problem and what you would have done different, to let them know that you are human as well. Help them understand that in the real world, knowledge = money, and it is tough to get too much of either.
I like to walk into my classroom with a big smile and say "hello everyone! How are you all today?!" I am always very entheusiastic when I enter my classroom. This tends to get my classes started off right.
This is a great way to make a good first impression every day. Thanks, Kristina.
Thanks, Franz. It sounds like your class is the kind of class that we need in career colleges.
I dont stop at just the first day. I make every day the students come to class see I am excited about the class and let them know that we are going to have fun in class that day. This will have the students excited and more eager to learn
On our first day of class I welcome them at the door. We have a line up every morning to check uniforms. I use that time to ask how they are and shake their hand and greet them. If I see someone not in a good mood I make sure to let them know, if they need to talk I am here for them.
David,
These are all good ways to make a positive first impression. Thanks for sharing them.
Each time we see a student, we have another chance to make a first impression. When we see them in the morning in the hallway, when they first walk into our classes that day and when we see them out and about, we have another chance to make a first impression for that interaction. They are all just as important as the first time we meet students at the beginning of a term.
These are good things to do, Gretchen.
A lot of research talks about making the very first class meeting a memorable one by diving into the subject matter through interesting activities the very first day.
Smile, look them in the eye, ask how their day is going and try to relate to them in some way.
Thanks, Richard.
I have read several articles that encourgage instructors to make the first class meeting one in which at least one important course objectives is well taught in an entertaining way. What works for you?
On the first day I welcome every student. Make sure I say there last name atleast once as they walk through the door. And tell each one I'm glad to have them as a student.
Joseph,
One school I worked for had the "five minute rule." We were expected to be at our doors or in our rooms five minutes before class so that we could take some time to build relationships.
As important as standing at the door and smiling is, what goes on in the first few minutes of class is also very important.
What do you do one the bell rings to make sure the students' first impression that day is a good one?
I always try to greet all of my students at the door, and I always have a smile no matter how my day is going.
I believe that the new students must feel that we as instructors do show them they are important and do listen to their response and let them know that they were heard.
Daniel,
Thanks for this post. You are correct here. We definitely have to demonstrate all the knowledge, skill and attitudes we want our students to internalize.
To be succesful you must achieve a balance between firmness, fairness and most importantly openess. You must be all of the things that you are trying to teach your student to be. This is where becoming a role model and mentor for your students begins. If you drop the ball here you will likely lose the game.
Thanks, Jasen.
The first class meeting each term is really a important opportunity to make good first impression. Too often, we spend the entire first class meeting reviewing the sylabus and going over our rules.
I suggest that the first class meeting be planned as a dynamic class session that focuses on the subject and on getting the students excited about the subject. There will be plenty of time to cover the rules later.
I always meet them at the door and tell them " Good Morning" and make small talk with them before class. I try to learn a little about each of them. Just asking about their job or hobby really brings them out of their shell.
Smile and use positive body language and even pat them on the back and call them buddy.