A positive first impression sets the tone for the classroom environment and learning process. Students must know who's in charge, what the rules are, and not feel intimitated to ask questions or join in any discussions.
A good first impression starts everything out on the right foot. The students are nervous enough starting a new course (especially if they are 'first-termers' (as most of mine are). Starting with a pleasant, relaxed, positive impression helps put everyone at ease. I like to show them that the material we are about to start covering is going to be challenging, interesting, life-changing and FUN!! I usually relate how I got started in my field, how I felt taking my first 'pre-test' and how growing and learning over the years has enriched my life and brought to where I am today. I stress to them how much I have grown to love my patients and how I am constantly amazed at medical breakthroughs and can't wait to see how medicine and science will change our lives in the future. I share with them my personal contact information and let them know they may contact me at any time for any reason. I share my likes and hobbies and my concerns with them so they know they are not alone in trying to handle daily life.
Hi Kimberly,
So true. It is so much easier to move forward with a positive first impression rather than spend time digging out from under a negative one.
Gary
A positive first impression sets the tone for the entire semester. The students should use my appearance, attitue, and behavior as models. I believe the statement "you can only make one first impression". If an instructor can not make a good first impression they will spend the rest of the semester trying to chnage students perceptions of them as a whole.
I believe it sets the tone of that class. If the first impression is made that the instructor is prepared, organized and knowledgable, it gets the students to buy into a postive learning experience.
People make instant judgment about us within first 30 seconds of meeting. Those 30 seconds will have a far going consequences and determine in what direction the student-teacher relationship will develop.
A positive 1st impression is vital for not only earning the respect of your students during your initial encounter but it also establishes non verbal expections of your students by setting the tone (on time, prepared, respectful) you expect in your class.
A positive first impression helps establish your role as a model(professional), manager(leader of the class), and motivator(someone who cares about their,(your students)career success.
Hi Maryrose,
So true. It is like a "tell" in a poker game. Their faces let you know if you and they are in sink with each other. These are the moments in teaching I really love. Everyone on the same page and teachable moments are everywhere. This is what it is all about.
Gary
If you present a postive attitude it can be contagious. When I'm in front of the class for the first time, I like to believe I am sending the message that this will be a great learning experience for them. You can tell if a class is responding because you can literally "see it" on their faces.
Hi Gloria,
This type of greeting and welcome is so important to students of all ages but especially adults students that have been out of school for a while. They need to see value in the course and that they have a supportive instructor there to help them. You are meeting that need.
Gary
A positive first impression helps the students to open up and be willing to give information about themselves. I greet them with a smile and let them know that I will help them learn and grow. I lose very few students and do enjoy seeing thier growth as the class continues.
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for sharing this ice breaker with us. I know many of us are always on the look out for additional ice breakers we can use. This is a good one.
Gary
When starting a new new class, a positive first impression is important to set the tone that will faciliate a more nurturing learning enviroment. At the begining of every first class I asked student to conduct interviews base on a list of questionares. This falls under the category of getting to know each other. Some of the questions includes: countries visited within the last two years, listing the names all the students that speaks a foreign language and the student with the most unsual first name. Student would interview each other and write down all the information thats applicable. This excerise usually breaks the ice among all the participlants-students and instructor.
Hi Rachelle,
This type of opening creates a setting for positive learning. It is so much easier to build on this rather than trying to correct a poor first class meeting.
Gary
A positive first impression sets the tone for the remainder of the class. It lets the students know you care about the content and their success in learning and meeting all the criteria for the subject taught. It also puts students at ease and allows them to trust you and then respect you.
Hi Saroj,
Right you are. It is so much easier to go forward with a positive impression rather than digging out of a hole with a negative one.
Gary
First positive impression is very important when starting a class as the students in the class judge and behave accordingly.I always have positive personality, lot of patience and enjoy teaching and students can sense that!
Saroj Patel
Its the one thing you can not do over
Yes, it can be very challenging to recover from an unfavorable first impression.
