Introduction
My first impression to my students is introducing myself and my experience in order for them to understand why I was hired to be an instructor in the first place. Due to my age, some students assume I am not seasoned in my field.
It is interesting that you bring this up April. I actually find this a lot at the college teaching level but just also in the professional world overall. Sometimes because I am a "younger" female (who looks youger than she actually is) I am not taken seriously as knowing what I am talking about. I think because of this though I am much more conscious of the first impression I make. I know sometimes that this is the only shot I have and it can really make or break the relationship. So, I guess in a way I use this knowledge to my advantage to really try to wow people. On a related note, I do think I have accomplished a lot professionally already (way more to go of course) and I think this can also be inspiring to students to know if you work hard you can also be successful.
On the first day of a new class, my students already know me. this is not a very big school. however, i take the time to introduce myself as a very simple person. This eliminate students from being intimidated. Learning is an eternal process, and being humble makes it a better learning environment.
Providing the students with a history of the instructors background is really motivating to me. If an instructor introduces themselves and do not mention their background, I will ask. I think it is really motivating to hear how far and what obstacles the instructors has overcome to get to this point in their lives. It really makes me think, if they can do it then so can I.
Hi James,
The key of whether you are getting through to them or not is the feedback you receive. Do they appreciate your experience and knowledge to the point that they ask questions and want to know about what you are teaching. Do they come to you after they have taken a class and ask for a reference or how they can grow their career. These are the types of things I would look for to see if I am reaching them.
Gary
I am an older instructor(in my 70's). Some of my students wonder why an older person would be involved with trying to help them gain a better education. I try to not only introduce myself and the course, but to give them some of my background in business and education. I have found they are very responsive to my leadership and teaching style, yet, there are times I wonder if I am getting through to them. I am open to suggestions.
Hi April,
This is not uncommon with students for younger professionals. By letting the students know about your experience plus establishing yourself as the educational leader you will start earning the respect of your students from the very first day.
Gary
I agree that outlining my background is important to my students. They deserve, I believe, to know how I am qualified to be at the front of the classroom guiding the discussion. By sharing my background and educational attainments with them it creates an atmosphere of an academic community - as they share there background with me and their classmates as well.
