Get Your Students Hired
Thanks, Maureen.
It is important to remember that we get to make a new "first impression" each day. The daily smile and "good morning" are great ways to start.
Always greet and acknowledge everyone, not just students, with a smile and a good morning, hello, etc.
Thanks, Linda.
I think it is important to keep in mind that we get to make a new first impression at the beginning of every class period. That is why it is so important to plan a super introductory activity for each class period.
Thank you, Linda. It can be a challenge to establish that one is a caring person who sees students as important individuals when teaching an online class. It is not as easy as it is in a classroom situation where a glance or a smile can do the trick.
You are doing this well by taking the time to intentionally use thoughtful words and phrases. Keep up the excellent teaching.
The first impression is the most critical. Eye contact, pleasant and caring attitude and that "hello" in the first meeting can be crucial. I believe that if you project your willingness to help the student, your love for the subject and your positive attitude that will make a good impression.
Since I am an online instructor and do not see my students in person it is a little more difficult. I have to use thoughtful words and phrases to introduce myself to the students. I often will respond to their email questions and also add "How are you today?" to my answers. I try to give the encouragement constantly especially to those students who email me that they are having personal problems or other issues preventing them from doing well in class. I always try to encourage them and uplift them to stay in class and move forward.
Questions in the Introduction Forum like:
Q1 - What is your full name and by what name do you prefer the class to use in class discussions?
Q2 – Where do you live (City and State) and what time zone are you in?
Q3 - What is the name of the company for which you work?
Q4 - What is your job title and how long have you worked in this field?
Q5 - What do you like the most about the work you do?
Q6 - What certifications are you planning on obtaining?
Q7 - What are your plans after you finish school?
Q8 - What would you like to learn from this class and what can the class do to help you accomplish your goals?
Q9 - What graduate degree are you going to obtain and how long before you finish your degree?
Q10 - What is your favorite book and why?
Tiffany,
This is a great start. What things do you do once the lesson starts to ensure those good feelings continue?
small queries, wher you from where you goin, what cars they like (automotive courses), do they like turning wrenches or keeping the suit and tie.... Just touch base on a impersonal loevel and they start to suppy the more indepth backround about where theyre from. and what they want to do.
I always walk in with a smile on my face and greet the class with some type of joke or funny quote. It loosens everyone up.
Eric,
How do you go about finding something in common with your students without getting "too personal?"
Finding something in common so they know we actually care about their learning
The conservative approach toward physical contact is best for a teacher, especially when there is not an established rapport.
True. I recently switched doctors due to fact he would enter room and immediately walk over and kiss me on top of head. This is inappropriate. (I think he has a fetish issue! lol)
With such a cultural 'melting pot' and more 'non-traditional age' students I think it best to abstain from physical contact for 'first impression' on first day.
Hugging may be highly inappropriate for many students and faculty.
I believe that I could smile more. Individuals always tell me when they first meet me, they think that I am unapproachable and mean. Then after they get to know me they realize that it is exactly the opposite of when they first met me. I think that when I first meet people I am a little stand offish, but I can definitely work on making them more comfotable in the beginning.
You can make the students feel welcome by greeting them with a friendly smile and having the room look warm and inviting.
Our online division has found that talking to students regularly either via the ney or the phone has a significant positive effect.
Well said, Cheryl. The students are the reason schools exist. They are not always right, but they are always our customers.