Get Your Students Hired
Once again I think that first of all you have to be in the room before they are. They need to know that they are the center of attention.
In addition to the obvious (smiling, presenting a postive attitude and professional demeanor) I always look them in the eye and shake their hand. I want to establish a physical connection and break the invisible barrier by extending my hand. For me, it is a way to invite them in and let them know that I am approachable. Also, I try to refrain from asking too many questions and listen to the student instead of peppering them with questions. Sometimes too many questions can make a person feel uncomfortable, or feel like they are being interrogated. Lastly, I try to make our converstaion engaging, light hearted and jovial. I think I'm a funny guy, but my sense of humor is very dry, so sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I think in the end, they feel more comfortable than when they first walked in my office.
Thanks, Monica.
A good way to plan a lesson that addresses most of the multiple intelligences is to ensure there is time for individual felection and time for interaction in triad, dyads or other small groups.
I encourage interaction the minute the fisrt class starts by engaging them immediately in a current event topic. This usually gets the whole class going and is a good ice breaker for all. It helps them see me as an all inclusive instructor
start off right away with something that they are intrested in. jump right in and start talking with them. brake the ice so to speek and give them the impression that i'm someone they can relate to.
Great comments, kenny. Talking to students not in your classes is a great way to build rapport between staff and students throughout the campus. Students know everyone cares!
Definitely. How would we ever expect a student to act in a professional manner if we don't display the same amount of professionalism. If we are meant to be their instructors, then we are instructing them in all that we do in the classroom, not just the subject matter. The students are learning from us because they hope to achieve the same things we have in our prior carrers. They are going to emmulate our actions, weather we want them to or not.
I have a good time just walking down the hall and start a conversation with a student i don't even know, asking just the basic questions, and alot of times they are smiling at the end of the conversation. A lot of things come from it. They get to know you, they feel the "someone cares" feeling and if they talking with other students that "drive by conversation" may get discussed.
I think by direct eye contact,a look of warmth on the face,and a realistic how are you.
Thank you, Paul. I have seen many teachers who expected students to do as they said, not as they did. It is great to see someone whio understands the impact of his behavior and attitude on students.
Our students look to us to be the example of what they can be.
I'll answer this question with a story. When I was first selected to become a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, I had to attend various classes in leadership. One such class began with the instructor, a Master Chief Petty Officer, came into the room late, his shirt untucked, belt askew, wrong color socks, dirty shirt, and a few other glaring examples of an uncaring sailor. I personally knew this Master Chief and was taken aback by his appearance as were the other students in the class. It was not the norm for him. After the inital shock, he stepped outside and re-entered the classroom a minute later looking like the professional I knew him to be. He explained to us to need to lead by example. It's one thing to expect a certain behavior, but we as leaders must show the way by exemplifying that same behavior. If we present an unprofessional demeanor, our students will pick up on that and any attempt to correct unprofessional conduct on their parts will be met with distrust and disrespect. We must BE the change we expect to see in them.
I do a meet and greet at the door as they come in. I explain to them in my intro how I came to be here. Like a lot of them I came here to help my Son get set up for the school. How I was so impressed with the place and it's possibilities along with getting Shanghaied by a few instructor next thing I know I'm working here. I moved from 800 miles and two states away, I've been here now for better than 3 years I have not ever regretted the decision, you guys make all the difference I truly enjoy my time here.
Thank you, Vincent.
The first impression of the subject is very important, too. Experts recommend that the first class meeting of the term is a dynamic lesson that does something memorable to introduce the subject matter.
Show-up on time and present them with profrssionalism. If you set a good example, they will follow.
Smile, stand up straight, extend your hand, make eye contact, and welcome them to the next step of their success.
Thank you for this post, Donna. I look forward to interacting with you in other discussion forums.
What do you do the first day of class to set the tone for the entire term?
Thanks, Shaun. What do you do the first part of each class meeting to make a good first impression that day?
By being professional and having a good attitude. They will see that I'm dressed properly just like they are required to be and hopefully my attitude will show.