| p>First impressions stick 80% of the time. Make | | | | moment early makes you look bad when |
| sure you start classes off on the right foot. | | | | students are looking to gain a good impression. |
| About 85% of your success in life, rests on your | | | | It suggests disrespect of the teacher and the |
| ability to get along well with others. This includes | | | | rest of the students in the class. Whatever your |
| gaining and keeping good rapport by having a | | | | reason for being late, correct the situation so you |
| good first impression with the teacher. If he likes | | | | can be where you need to be when you need to |
| your attitude, you're much more likely to max out | | | | be there. If you absolutely must be late or leave |
| that discretionary 10% that has a significant | | | | early because of an appointment you must |
| influence on your grade. | | | | attend, let the teacher know ahead of time in |
| Go early; stay late | | | | order to keep that good impression he has of |
| Okay, steps one and two of getting off to the | | | | you. |
| right start with a good first impression. Now you | | | | Coming a bit late or leaving a bit early, unless it's |
| don't have to keep sitting there minutes after the | | | | absolutely necessary, and you've mentioned it to |
| class ends. You should, however, come a few | | | | the teacher beforehand, makes you look bad. It |
| minutes early and stay though the entire class. No | | | | may seem as though you don't like the class or |
| need to be the last person to leave, just don't | | | | respect the teaacher. It may appear that you |
| create a draft trying to get out the door at the | | | | don't plan your time well, so you can't get there |
| end of class. | | | | on time. You may seem (gasp!) lazy and |
| How early do you need to come to class to | | | | thoughtless. Now that may be a lot to read into |
| make that good impression with the teacher? | | | | being late and leaving early, however, all the |
| Early enough that you have your book and | | | | teacher has to go on is what she sees, not your |
| notepaper out and your pen poised and ready to | | | | reasons for doing it. |
| go before the teacher even opens his mouth. | | | | And when you do go to class, BE there. Sit as |
| Why? | | | | close to the front as is comfortable, focus, come |
| Because often, he has either just taught a class | | | | prepared, take part in active listening, and note |
| or reviewed his notes, and wants to make sure | | | | taking. When the time is right, jump on in and ask |
| he makes some critical points before they slip his | | | | a question. Answer a few, too. It's your class, |
| mind. Sometimes, students will be talking to him | | | | make the most of it. |
| just before class starts, and maybe they've got | | | | Stand out in a good way |
| the same question they need answered. Teachers | | | | In order to make a good first impression, you |
| use those first few moment of class to clear up | | | | must be able to stand out in the crowd, let your |
| the issue for the entire class. | | | | teachers know you care. You're one of 357 |
| Listen, this is prime time stuff here, if you want | | | | students in an intro History class. How do you let |
| to make that great first impression on your | | | | your teacher know who you are? In three easy |
| professor, then do not miss it! | | | | steps: |
| Also, your prof may wrap up the class making | | | | 1. Sit no further than the third row, right in the |
| sure he touches on and reviews key concepts | | | | center of the classroom |
| one more time before you go. Remember that | | | | 2. Always look attentive |
| key concepts are testable material. | | | | 3. Make an appointment early in the semester so |
| Your habits are noticed! | | | | you can meet one on one with the teacher. Ask |
| A tiny transgression that's more damaging than | | | | for some clarification on one of the topics he's |
| you'd think to a teacher's impression of his/her | | | | been presenting, or for some help narrowing |
| student is coming a little late to class or leaving a | | | | down your focus on a paper you'll write for that |
| little early. | | | | class. |
| Be aware of the image you project as a student | | | | Let him know that you are paying attention and |
| in the classroom. Whether you realize it or not, | | | | care about learning. Introduce yourself soon in the |
| something as seemingly insignificant as coming in a | | | | semester. You will be remembered positively. |
| minute late from time to time, or packing up with | | | | Teachers pay attention to these things; it will |
| your teacher is still talking and slipping out a | | | | improve that first impression greatly! |