In ten seconds our students can size us up. They made a judgment on who we are, how we will treat them, and whether they like us or not. Malcolm Gladwell refers to it as the "Blink Effect." Fortunately for classroom teachers, the interactions they have with students can either change that perception, or cement it.

That's not really a surprise is it? We all make quick judgments we witness. It might be one we are somehow involved in, or one we are watching from the sidelines.

If we think back to our own formal education, we can remember the teachers we wanted to spend countless hours with, and those we hoped we would never have to spend a minute more. I clearly remember a fifth grade experience, where my teacher told our class we needed to stop talking.

Click here to continue reading.