first impression
1st impression is important cause it will give your students an opinion about you most of the year!
Hi Jennifer,
Letting students know they have support and resources is very important. You are giving them a wide variety of opportunities to access those resources. I know that helps the students to feel like they are not alone and when the pressures of life and school start to build they can avail themselves of the help you offer. Great service to keep the students engaged.
Gary
I try to make it a point to visit all classrooms (I am a Career Services Representative), to show them I am willing to come to them as well--they don't have to come find me. I have my office hours posted and also my email address. I make it a point to reply to emails within 12 hours if I can (except on weekends).
first impressions can last a lifetime.
Hi Kellie -
I had to stop and think over your post as this is the situation I am in for the first time with one of my classes - low grades and lack of efforts on assignments - first impression is no problem. Yes, I am a nice person and approachable and we can have fun in class - but now I must reassert my "professional self" and make VERY clear what the ultimate priorities are in the class. Professionalism, requisite knowledge, and the students being able to communicate that knowledge in the professional circles within which those students will be working. Prioritizing: standards of professionalism and scholastic achievement take precedence over having fun in class which is NOT the real world. That priority doesn't mean we can't still have "fun" or enjoy the learning process together. It does mean "first things first!" - anyhow, that's what I'm doing this week - having a little chit chat! Lora
The first impression is crucial in establishing and maintaining professionalism in the class. It gives our students a sense of security and a figure of integrity that they will follow throughout their course.
Hello Mau,
I usually don't have an issue with the first impression. In fact my classes are usually quite a bit of fun. Sometimes I need to get down to business because of low test scores, lack of participation, or lack of apparent effort on an assignment. When I get into this mode I become a little less fun and a little more aggressive. This changes my students perception of me and I can see it reflected in the class. How would you suggest I get down to business and maintain the fun of the class?
Kellie
Mau, you are correct. The student’s first impression of you and the class will help in motivating and encouraging students to learn and grow as the course goes on. I am always looking at new ways to set the tone for a new class. If anyone as any suggestions I would be happy to hear them.
I THINK first impression is very important because you are teaching these student to be professional.
I try not to be stiff the first meeting so everyone feels relaxed and I always ask everyone to take a few breaths with me.
