By being happy, confident in what is presented to them, and open to any questions they may have for me as their new instructor. I try to make sure my students know that I am interested and personally invested in their success in my class and beyond. I want them to know that I truly care about their future in the field of dentistry in which I have invested 25 years of my life. I am excited to share with them all the things I have learned from my years of experience and the many hours of continuing education i have invested to better myself in my field.
appearing calm and well prepared on the first day of class
I always try to make my students aware of the challenges facing them in a new class but to also try to make them as comfortable as possible with those challenges
By being sure that I portray what their final goal could look like. Being professional, clean, neat, and organized. Looking them in the eye and shaking their hand with confidence.
I think is very important that you show your students respect, that you let them know your expectations and also know their expectations.
By being a professional and yet showing that we are also human too makes our first impressions more relatistic and better to relate to as well.
Thanks, Laura,
Some teachers believe the stricter they are the better they are. They come accross as mean one in a while. Demanding teachers can and should be respectful toward their students at all times, even when addressing negative behavior. You make a great point here.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Jason,
They need to know that we will support them as they face new challenges. Thanks for pointing this out.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Frank,
Are there things you do during the course of a lesson that also helps you to build rapport?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Carmella,
What are some specific things you do to make a great first impression at the beginning of a typical class period?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Yes, if the class is large it takes me a few week to rember all for their names, when i do forget they are always happy to help, i remind them that their is only one of me and 15-20 names to remember and they only have to remember one. Each class i try to give each student about 5 mins of personel time, to ask anything that they won't bring up in class.
This is exactly what I do also. I greet my students at the door which shows them I care and at the same time I can see if they are following the dress code rules at the same time.
I make certain to smile and address every student by name when they enter the classroom. It seems to put them at ease and works well for me.
Eye contact and a smile means everything. I also shake hands with all of my students as they enter my classroom.
Eye contact is definetely important and talking to the students not at them is very beneficial. Sharing certain components about yourself gives you that human approach that students relate better to, for some are intimidated just being in a "college" environment but when they can see you in the same light as themselves and you can show them you had the some of the same goals as they did i.e., graduating from college and getting a career that you love; it goes a long way in developing a mutual respect. I also feel that learning the student's as quickly as possible is extremely important and I play the "I'm going to the grocery store game and I'm taking (so and so with me) game." By the end of the second class I know 25-30 student's name and so do they which creates a better atmosphere all around and an excellent class culture.
I think inroducing yourself, listening to the student, and making eye contact are good ways of making a good first impression.
Smiling, making eye contact, and using their name when I am meeting them. I also think that looking professional is necessary to gain their respect.
Paula Blankenbiller
Paula,
I know of several teachers who take a "do as I say not as I do" appropach when it comes to personal appearance. I agree with you that it is an important part of the experience we give students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
i usually meet my new students during their interview for admission into my department. I introduce myself and the faculty member doing the interview with me, ask them to sit down, and then try and talk just a bit about the program so put them at ease. i gradually work into questions regarding them, their experiences and their education so far, what they have enjoyed and what they didn;t like. i try to make the interview low key and friendly. i tell them i am asking them questions about their goals to be sure that my program is right for both their short and long term goals. I end the interview by giving them a business card with all my contact information on it and ask them to please call or email any additional questions they may have. This has worked very well for me as i end up with a group of motivated students and we are all on the same "GOAL" page.
I believe that I could make a better first impression just by ensuring them that I am going to walk with them throughout the course, and be there when they need help with their work. Not make them feel afraid to come to me and ask questions.
