Positive first impressions can make or break the atmosphere/environment of learning. Students are on overload and are looking for leadership to guide them. Role modeling should start in the beginning and needs to provide a sense of security and acceptance within a structured set of standards.
I believe making a positive first impression is very important because it sets the tone for how your class will interact with you. It may also clear up any preconceived notions about you and how your class is run or it may validate them.
A positive first impression is extremely important to the students and the instructor. The students need to know that you are very knowledgable in the class you are teaching. They need to be able to trust the instructor completely.
Hi Susana,
Good point. The key idea is that first impressions will be made one way or another and that positive ones don't just happen they need to be planned for as you mentioned. Good planning up front saves so much frustration on the part of both students and instructors.
Gary
A positive first impression is important because it sets the tone for the class, gives students an idea of how you run a class and can even set them at ease. It is also very important in that first impression to be well prepared both in class content as well as your apperance and demeanor.
One can never take back a first impression. Credibility and trust is established in these firsts moments.
Your first impression is everything. It is extremely important to the success of your course.
Many people say that you should not judge a book by its cover, however after teaching for many years, I have realized that students do judge you on that first day. You should always be "on" as if you are giving a performance. Be the sage on the stage as well a the guide on the side and always make a positive first impression.
Hi Ginger,
This is so important. Rumors do fly among students and rumors are just what they are rumors. The rumors or "urban legends" about classes and instructors can be reduced once the students are in the class and see the instructor in action. By doing what you mentioned in your forum comments you are showing the students what the course and you are really like rather than what may be "out there on the streets" in terms of rumors.
Gary
Hi Luke,
Thank you for sharing this example of how you were able to read your students and make adjustments in how you start the course. I am sure that now it is much easier to get your students settled into the course and get the development of rapport started.
Gary
Starting a new class with a positive first impression can relieve the fears of the students, excite them about the content, and set the tone for the whole class. Often the students come to class with preconceived notions of what the class will be like and who the instructors are only to find themselves in a more positive environment than they were expecting.
As a new instructor, I did not think much of the first impression. I used to start class without any real introduction of myself. I have found recently if I talk about my successes and past it gives students a chance to develop a rapport with me, as well as I with them.
Hi Ron,
Great comments from a seasoned professional educator. Always good to hear that someone like yourself still has the vision of what needs to be accomplished in the classroom plus how to work with the students to get it done.
Gary
Hi Stevie,
Well said. By laying out the way the course is going to operate the students can see what the expectations, requirements and policies are. This way they can get right into the course without feeling confused or frustrated.
Gary
In the 15 years I have been teaching I know that my enthusiasm sets the tone especially at the first class meeting. I know in my head and feel in my heart that what I teach has value and when that comes across to "my kids" I've succeeded.
First impressions are key for establishing your authority as well as how the class is going to flow throughout the rest of the quarter. It's important to establish your boundaries and rules so the students know right away how situations will be handled and that the instructor is the one in charge.
A first impression can only be made once. It often sets the tone for the entire class cycle and if not thought out carefully and executed properly it can prove disastorous for the perception of the instructor by the class and seriously affect thier ability to accept the course materials.
it does pretty much tell a lot about you and who you are to the students and it good to be positive
Hi Kevin,
Right you are about needing a good first impression. As you say a negative first impression can be corrected but it takes a lot of work. Through careful planning you can be moving the course forward instead of trying to "fix" something that resulted from poor planning.
Gary
I agree, lasting impressions are easy to gain but hard to change
It all hinges on the students first impression, thats not to say you can't make up ground but it much easier when you have made that good first impression
