Not unlike entering a restaurant, students are making decisions about their experiance immediately; the impressions can also be refered to as moments of truth. Positive moments of truth will set the course for a positive classroom experiance.
We will never have a second chance to make a first impression...It should set the right tone for the entire class.
It enables you to connect better with the students, show that you are open to their questions and that you respect them as individuals.
Hi Anthony,
All of the components you mentioned in your comments are essential for getting a class off to a good start. By knowing this the students can get settled into the course and feel much more at ease because they know they have a supportive instructor.
Gary
A Positive First Impression sets the tone, standard and charcter of the person. How does this person respond to others? How do they feel things should be? and are they approachable or non-approachable, pleasant or unpleasant.
A positive first impression let's the students know more about you. You can tell alot about a person by the way they dress and how they present themelves. It is crucial to be on time and prepared when first meeting your class. Don't come across as a "know it all." There may actually be someone in your class who knows more than you do. Don't be intimidating. That is the best way to lose your students right off the bat. If they are intimidated, they will be afraid to answer aloud or to participate for fear of feeling inadequate.
I am a firm believer that my first impression to my students sets a standard that they can see I expect from them also.
1. professionalism
2. respect
3. well groomed
4. dependable
5. enthusiastic
Hi Ken,
So true about first impressions. It is so much easier to build on a good one rather than try to correct a poor one. So the more preparation we instructors can make prior to the first class to generate that positive first impression the easier our job is going to be for the rest of the course.
Gary
Making the first impression always the best, most people remember that first impression, even though you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, that first impression is very important since you get their attention right away and they remember that. This way they know how the class will be conducted and your style.
Hi All,
Thank you all for the good thoughts you shared with us on why a good first impression is so important while giving examples of how that impression can be created. You are right about the need to create a good first impression because it is tough to dig out of a hole once you are in it. We need to be forward focused in our teaching so with a positive first impression we can have that focus. Keep up the good work everyone.
Gary
Sandra,
I teach an online course, but I have found that using the discussion board the first couple of weeks of the course to learn more about the students and to share my own experiences; helps to bring the students together for a common purpose. They find that they share common interests and are working toward similar goals. This works well as the class progresses because they rely on each other and work together.
A positive first impression is extremely important. Students typically do not know the instructor and they make their assessment of the instructor during their first meeting.
I teach online courses now, so I have had to develop a different method to create that first impression. I send out a personal "Welcome Letter" by e-mail to each student. I outline my experience, my contact information and my expectation for the class. I also let them know I am accessible by e-mail, course discussion board, and provide my office and cell phone numbers.
Johathan,
Yes...students do not know how much you know until they know how much you care.
Patricia,
Absolutely...we must always be polite and professional in all school settings, not just the classroom. Even though you might not have a certain student in class now you might in the future.
A positive first impression sets the tone for your class. You need to show the students that you are fair, considerate, know your subject, and care about their success. If you appear to not have it all together, it will take a long time to prove to your students that you do know what you are doing and talking about.
A positive first impression also puts your students worries at ease.
It is important because your students will not only know how well prepare and knowledgeable of the subject you are, but also how passionate and exited about teaching them the subject you are.
The first impression to students set the tone for he entire course. Just like a first impression at a business or interview it is the lasting impression and a bad one is really hard to overcome. Students are nervous and often scared on the first day, but a good first impression can make you approachable which I find to be very important.
A positive frist impression is important because it gives the student a sense of professionalism and respect, base in which to work with. If an instructor is professional and respected the objectives become easier to reach.
A positive first impression sets the pace for your class. It allows your students to know who is in charge and may put alot of questions that they may have to rest. A first impression is so important to your entire class.
It sets the tone for a good class. It is imperative that your expectations of your students are discussed in the first class. Being organized, on time, and being prepared are all important to let your students know that you as the instructor are invested in their education amd their success in the course.
