Personally think to a situation where your first impression meeting someone new was a negative one. How did you view that person from that point on? For me, by far there is no continued contact or relationship.
Hi Mary,
Well said. Sometimes instructors overlook this important part of starting a new class as they prepare the content. It is tough to dig out of a negative hole so it is important to set a positive tone so you don't have to.
Gary
Positive first empression is important because it will reflect your attitude towards teaching,from start to finish. example, smiling,greeting the students as they come in, will make them feel that you are excited to take them in your class.
Hi Allana,
Good point. An instructor needs to serve in the mentor role at times in a course. Adult learners look to instructors to serve in the mentor role as they start to develop their career area and have questions what they will face once they are out of school.
Gary
I agree with this statement, but also,not just establishing the instructor as the authority, but as a mentor and someone to encourage and aid toward the success and goals while the student is in his or her program.
A positive first impression not only sets the tone for the class but also begins the trend for successful teaching in the class. Students will analyze the expectations for the class and the expectations of the instructor. If these expectations are set clear from day one then less problems and misunderstanding will occur through the course. First impressions establish respect for the student, instructor and course.
I believe that making a positive first impression sets the stage for the rest of the course. It is important to let the student know who you are and your experience in your field and as an instructor. It lets the student know you have confidence in your field of training and it puts the students at ease to come to you if they have any questions.
A positive first impression will set the tone for the rest of the course. In my experience I welcomed my new students as they came through the door and had my classroom prepared for the class ahead of time.
Hi Michael,
Well said. The positive first impression sets the tone for the entire class phase. The students know you are prepared and ready to instruct them if you are on time, organized and ready to teach. If you aren't then you have a deep hole to dig out of. Many instructors have problems in understanding this concept and thus are challenged the entire course.
Gary
A positive first impression is the most important item on day one of the class. remembering that first impression are lasting impressions helps you set the tone of the class. It also alows you to set the proper example of how the students should prepare themselves. thay want to be led through the process with someone who is energetic and prepared.
People always tend to remember first impressions, so it's important to come across in a positive way to our students on the first day.
Students will judge our competence, experience, attitude, etc. from the very beginning and this will stick with them throughout the course.
Amanda
Hi Nicholas,
The team approach to learning is a very important. By being not only the instructor but also the facilitator and coach you are offering instructional support in a number of different ways for your students. Keep up the good work.
Gary
AS a good roll model, one must have a positive and welcoming attitude. Be organized and everything will play out smoothly.
I WANT THE STUDENTS TO FEEL RELAXED YET AT THE SAME TIME I WANT THEM TO KNOW WHAT I NEED FROM THIS. iI MAKE IT SEEM LIKE WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER AND WE NEED EACH OTHER TO MAKE THIS CLASS WORK.
Making a positive first impression is crucial because it sets the boundaries to what the course attitude should entail. Getting respect from students early on is a definite advantage to help steam roll the process of learning and understanding your students to better suit there needs.
Hi George,
Exactly right. Good first impressions really help to move the class forward. It is hard, though not impossible to dig out of a bad first impression, but why have to do it. By being prepared, professional and prompt you will make the positive first impression you are seeking and the students will progress from there.
Gary
As stated in the module, students will determine what their impression of you is with-in the first minute of being in class. That is why it is so important to make a good first impression. Providing a clean environment, a well organized syllabus, and paying attention to the personal introductions are all important factors to that first encounter.
If an instructor is not successful in creating a positive impression during the first contact they jeopardize their credibility with the students for a minimum of two to three more encounters
Hi Anita,
Good points. Rapport comes out of respect and respect is earned through planning and preparation. Also, this enable the students to feel that they are being taught by a professional that cares about their success.
Gary
A positive first impression is important in developing rapport with the class. I think it also helps set a positive tone for the class and helps instructor and students feel more comfortable in the classroom.
A positive rapport with the class can also help reduce student nervousness and uncertainty. This allows students to focus on learning instead of being distracted by issues unrelated to course content.
A positive first impression is important because you want to establish trust and a sense of security in your student about you. By coming across as an instructor who is organized, confident and competent the student can be assure that they will be learning something from you.
