As a new teacher years ago this is how I would begin my classes. I would enter the room with a couple of minutes to spare. As I (and my class) sat in silence I would watch for the clock to strike 9am (for example). And then I began to teach. I was probably stiff as a board. As the years passed I realized the value of arriving early and engaging in chitchat. As I did my research for my book I discovered several teachers who shared this same opinion. As one teacher put: This teacher heartily recommended getting to class five to ten minutes early to engage in chitchat with students; simple right? And this teacher provide a wonderful list of the benefits he experienced from doing just that: • I had an easier time remembering more about students and their work. • After a week or so the students relaxed; they talked more openly to me before, during, and after class. My own presentations to the class and discussions become more relaxed as well. • More students arrived on time. (I suspect because they began to feel I was starting “right on” the posted start time.) • More students showed up during my office hours. • Students seemed to interact more with one another. • Overall attendance and participation went up. • The results were close to the same in three different classes. I can tell you from personal experience that this teacher’s recommendation is right on, so why not start utilizing the power of chitchat right from the beginning.To know more:teachertrainer.com
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