On the first day of school I like to ask the students "why they chose to become a nail tech."
I always find the anwsers interesting and then I like to tell them why I became a nail tech and what it has meant to me.
This is a great question Jeffrey, especially since I am online as we are always trying to find ways to reach our students personally. I think the best way to reach your students early in the course is to share something personal about yourself at the beginning of the course introductions. Be sure to read through and address each of the students as they post their introductions by asking them about their personal interests, hobbies, family situations, etc. This will make the student feel comfortable and also personally connected to the instructor in some way. It seems to work well, but like I said, I am always looking for new ways to break the ice! :)
Shauna,
Thank you for this post. It is important for all faculty members, especially those who are online, to reach out and build rapport.
You can make a good impression by practicing what you preach. Clean cut and professional, smile, speak to everyone you pass. Show the students that you enjoy your job and take it seriously.
Great topic! Its important to have a good smile and acknowledge everyone's name. Customer service is king for everything from gum to college.
A pleasant disposition is key to making a good first impression with students. In a traditional classroom setting, I stood outside the classroom door the first day of classes. I smiled and greeted each student that walked by, and I welcomed those students heading into my own class. The goal was to make my classroom inviting and less intimidating. In most cases I at least got a mumbled "hi" and small smile, but that's at least a positive place to start!
Online, it's a bit more challenging. I post an introduction about myself, my background, and my interests prior to the first day of class. On the first day of class, I email each student a little hello and welcome message with reminders to post their own introduction and double check they have the correct book for the course. Finally, during the first week I make sure to respond to each student's introduction so that they can recognize that I am interested in getting to know them better. Online I would argue that it takes longer for the students to develop their impression of the instructor, so I make a concerted effort to always respond promptly, pleasantly, and thoroughly to any questions or comments so that the student I am interested and present despite the inherent distance created by our classroom.
Nice post, Victoria.
I try to remind my faculty that every day gives us a chance to make a new first impression that establishes an environment that either faciltates or hinders learning for that day. Teachers need to do things at the outset of each class period, or online unit, that puts students in the mood to learn.
What are some things that you do to accomplish this?
One of my main priorities is to keep regular contact with the students. In addition to posting to class discussion at least every other day, I check and respond to emails and messages from students (or posted to the questions forum) at least twice daily. Additionally, I post reminders about upcoming deadlines and update students as to what feedback has been posted or when to expect the next round of grades and feedback. Finally, I review "attendance" once weekly and email those students that have not logged on within the past couple days to make sure they're not encountering technical or time management issues.
You must show that you are interested in the student and excited about your job. Outside of the normal smiling and greeting, the instructor should always become familiar with each student and become a mentor for all students.
Preparation. Preparation. Preparation.
The first impression is the most important. The first thing you want the student to see is that you want to be here with them and you are eager to have them in you class first day be at the class room door for a meet and greet to make them feel welcome. They will see first thing that you expect them to be on time as you were waitin for them and thaat you care enough to be early.
I am the same way I will go out of my way to make sure I get their name right and also just asking how everyone is doing goes a long way
First day I like to introduce myself give abrief descreption of my professional life real work stories some amuesing try to keep it professonal.Then I give each student some time to talk about themselves. The stories are usually brief but I feel the students receive the feeling that we are interested in them as a person and enhances the learning experience.
First day I like to introduce myself give abrief descreption of my professional life real work stories some amuesing try to keep it professonal.Then I give each student some time to talk about themselves. The stories are usually brief but I feel the students receive the feeling that we are interested in them as a person and enhances the learning experience.
Ditto to some answers already give. Smile, show approachability, and be neatly dressed.
On the first day I introduce myself.I also give them a little history on myself. I have each student give me a little history of themselves.
I try to make then feel at ease in the class roon.
Before I start class I set down and just talk with my students to see how they are doing as a class. I ask them how their lives are outside of school and how their families are doing. I also let them know if they need anything to let me know and i will help if I can. Education is not just about books and lab. It is about good relationships that are made for life time.
I agree with Todd on the eye engagement.That tells the student that you are interested in what they have to say which in turn will create a better learning environment.
All it takes is a hello and how are you to get the student/teacher relationship working.
I smile and greet each student at the door on the first day of the term, trying to remember each of their names as they walk in the room. By the end of the week, I make sure I remember their names to make them feel important.
