Making a Positive First Impression is very important for me as an instructor because I am usually one of the youngest in the classroom. I review my skills and portfolio in an learning/positive manner, then give them a mini-project to complete by class end. I have found that this gives me creditability and the mini-project brings motivation and respect throughout the term.
Hi John,
What are some strategies that you use in setting you and your classroom up to make a positive first impression?
Gary
Serve as a fole model and because of the impact that first impressions have on people. Seems sad to think about the impact but it is human nature to judge others on the basis of first impressions.
It helps to put the students at ease. This ensures a comfortable learning environment. It also helps set the pace and tone for the upcoming class.
Hi Laura,
Do a class activity that gets the students involved in talking, moving about or working in groups. It might be a game or a case study that you used to get them started. This helps to set the stage for the remainder of the class, while you get settled in as the instructor. Develop your lecture to give no more than 5 key points and then examples. This will help you to slow down and it lets you change the pace of the class. If you don't change the pace of the class you will get faster and faster in your delivery until you sound like a chipmunk on steroids. (OK bad example but you get the picture).
When we are nervous we talk faster and faster so by changing pace or doing an activity you create a break that enables you to center yourself and get ready to deliver some more course content.
Move around the classroom as you speak. This is like trying to chew gum and walk at the same time. By positioning yourself in different places around the classroom you again change the flow of your delivery as you move about. These little things all contribute to you being able to slow down and concentrate on effective and efficient instructional delivery.
Gary
As a new instructor, I believe this is my biggest weakness. I become nervous and want to start "class material" right away. How would you suggest training yourself to slow down that first class session?
As an instructor you need to demonstrate to your students that you are professional and someone that they can trust to guide their academic experience. This first impression is KEY to the success of your course.
Hi Patricia,
I love it! You are showing your abilities as a professional educator no matter your age or how long you have taught. Keep up the good work. You are gaining the respect of your students by having their names down early in the course. This as you know really impresses the students. The demonstration of your caring comes through in your efforts.
Gary
We are all quick to judge based on first impressions and we only get one FIRST impression.
I am an "older" instructor (Proud of it, too)and youth don't always give a break to age. I try to greet each student the first day, make a note to recall face and name....then I greet them by name during the second class. It puts all of us at ease and on a more equal plane. It actually surprises most of them that I can match names and faces. Score one for the "old lady."
To build credibility and to establish your authority on the subject matter.
Hi Martha,
This is so important. By extending to your students your support and desire for them to do well they know they can depend upon you to help them achieve success if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
Creating a postive first impression can help with retention. Students are more willing to skip class if they don't care for their instructor.
Students can tell when a Professor is passionate about their topic. They can also tell when the Prof cares about their success. I let students know right away that I want to see them succeed but that they have to do their part.
Positive first impressions are important so the remaining class time is spent on education as opposed to spending time on gaining credibility with the students.
The first impression is vey important.Instructor should have confidence on his/her knowledge ,based on experiences,in this student feel more comfortable with instructor.
Follwing topics on module is another helpfull tool to help student in new class.
It sets a tone and mood for the overall class. Mine is the first academic class for many of our students and there is a certain amount of hesitation and stress. I keep the opening very conversational and light but use the syllabus to clearly define expectations.
I agree that a positive first impression sets the stage for the rest of the course. If an instructor leaves a bad impression on the first day, it will be very difficult for this instructor to try and change the student's mind about the instructor. On the other hand, a good first impression on the first day will be much easier to carry throughout the remainder of the course. The impression an instructor leaves on a student is very important because it may play a role on the student's success of the course. A negative impression may deter a student's motivation towards success.
Hi Roy,
You are right. What you need to do is be perceived as a dedicated competent professional that cares about student success. That goes a long way in winning the students over that first day.
Gary
Hi Craig,
Key point! That is why the first impression needs to the best it can be. Start with a high and stay there so there are not holes to dig out of.
Gary
This is a pretty easy question as far as I am concerned but it will depend on the instructors personality too. My experience says that those with an outgoing positive personality and enjoy teaching will provide all the positive first impression needed. I do see the other side of the coin though. You don't need to be the "actor" to present a first impression.
