I feel being direct and open with well defined expectations helps to set the tone of the class room and makes for a very responsible yet professional first impression.
I agree with Paul. It is very important to learn the names of our student's from the very beginning. Here are the things that I do on Day 1:
1. Introduce myself and the course. I usually tell a funny story about myself and my experiences here.
2. Go around the room and play a name game. One name game that I often use is to have each person describe him/her self by using the first letter of his/her name. For example: My name is Theresa and I like tomatoes! The second person will have to introduce me, then introduce themselves. The third person will need to introduce the both of us, then introduce him/herself. I always make it a point to go both first and last. My students have a lot of fun with this one.
3. Finally we go over the course syllabi and expectations.
A smile, a hello, or possibly a kind gesture are a few of the ways to create a positive first impression. I also believe that having a welcoming classroom with student work hanging around will help to create a good first impression.
In order to gain a positive "first impression" with my students, I usually introduce myself and give eye contact to my students after I ask each student to introduce him/her self and tell us why he/she is taking the class "what's your goal from my class." this tends to always create a friendly environment in my class and hence a positive first impression.
First impressions are everything, it is important to smile, be positive, and to make eye contact, speek clearly, and most importantly treat everyone with respect. Greeting students on the first day also makes a good positive impact.
I am firm believer that a smile is the best first impression anyone can make. It makes the person more approachable and less intimidating.
I always start off with a joke or something funny to say. It gets them in a good mood and I have just captured their attention.
Never forget your surroundings!!! How many times have we seen or been a part of a discussion with colleagues outside of closed doors where discussions about topics that should be "not so specific" or the need of a colleague to "relieve emotions" occur with students present....
A first impression is not necessarily one on one, it is the overall impression we make whenever on campus. So be mindful of your surroundings, and of all interactions with students, as First Impression may be upon us and we may not be cognizant of them...
Having some aspect of the class pre-set up sends the message to students that you were prepared for your class. So having a flip chart, model, or some interactive tool on day one shows students you are prepared. That preparation sets a positive "first impression"
Dressing the part is important as well. Students are dressing more and more casual but we need to project a professional image. I teach online, my students rarely see me…. Yet I try to wear a tie to work daily.
The best way to form a good first impression for students is to be well prepared, enthusiastic, and professional. The combination of these three things will be an overwhelming force in creating a positive first impression that will draw in students to your teachings.
First impressions last a lifetime. I provide an environment conducive to learning where students can express themselves and be creative to bring out the best in their abilities.
Thanks, David.
There are a lot of students who "need" the teacher to be organized in order for them to be successful. Teachers need to make sure students know the plan each day and can tell where they are on the plan.
Steven,
One of my mentors explained that we have to make a new "first impression" every day. Are there some things you do during the term to maake a great first impression that day?
Theresa, I like this approach. I have done something similar with jelly beans. I bring in a big jar of jelly belly jelly beans and tell each student to take as much as they like but not eat them yet. Once everyone has gotten their jelly beans they have to introduce themselves and tell us one thing about themselves for each jelly bean they took. But you do have to mix it up as the next class coming in gets the scoop and they will only take one jelly bean because they have been warned. It is a lot of fun and starts the class off with everyone talking.
Acknowledge the students instantly and speak to them with a positive and exciting manner.
Always start & end with a smile! It goes a long way...a smile! :)
By following and upholding school policies at all times
eye contact right off the bat, and smile as i walk in the room.
