By Kimberly Tomeny
An instructor’s presence plays a vital role in supporting student learning and engagement. First impressions set the tone for the rest of the semester, and presence can shape students’ experiences in a course. Here are five tips to enhance your presence in college courses:
- Dress the Part — How you present yourself conveys professionalism and sets the tone for the course. While a suit might be an appropriate fit for some disciplines (e.g., business, law), more casual yet professional attire might be more appropriate for others (e.g., education, social work). Certain disciplines might expect very specific attire that allows one to fulfill their teaching requirements in the field, such as scrubs, athletic attire or dancewear. When teaching online, professionalism in recorded videos or synchronous sessions is an important component of presence as well. The key is to dress appropriately for your discipline and demonstrate professionalism in how you present yourself to convey readiness, confidence and commitment to the learning experience.
- Arrive Early — Whether walking into a classroom or logging onto Zoom, coming to class sessions early allows you to prepare for class and greet students as they arrive. Extra time at the beginning of class allows you to make casual conversation with students, answer student questions and create a relaxed atmosphere. This can make you more approachable and helps to create a sense of connection with your students.
- Check the Technology — Be proactive in checking the technology in advance. Use some of the time you have when arriving early to test internet connection, slides, microphones, videos and any other platforms you plan to use before your class session begins. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth learning experience for students and foster positive student perceptions.
- Facilitate a Meet and Greet — Take time to briefly speak with students before each class session. This sets the tone for the class and shows students that you are interested in and care about them. It can also help improve students’ perceptions of both you and your teaching.
- Incorporate Icebreakers — At the beginning of the semester or each class session, use icebreakers to create a positive classroom climate. This can help students feel more comfortable, get to know each other and you, and build community within the class. Like the “meet and greet,” it shows that you’re interested in getting to know your students and can support more positive student perceptions.
Barkley, E. F., & Major, C. H. (2018). Interactive lecturing: A handbook for college faculty. Jossey-Bass.