Hi Karen,
Good point about setting the stage for the course. By being prepared and ready to teach the students know they are going to be taught by someone that knows what she/he is doing in terms of both content and instructional delivery.
Gary
A positive first impression gives students the idea that the professor is a professional who deserves respect. It also sets the tone for further class periods.
Since the first impression is enduring, starting off on a positive note sets a tone and high standard for the remainder of the course. In my experience as a student and as an instructor, the most enjoyable, effective learning occurred when an instructor established clear standards for the environment including personal and professional courtesy, etiquette, punctuality, and performance expectations. In those courses, I do not recall gaffs that were not promptly addressed and laid to rest. Other courses, their instructors, and purpose are altogether less memorable.
I think a positive first impression will not only set the tone for the day, but it will also show them what is ecpected of them throughout the course. I feel that it is not only how you greet them, but also how you present yourself (clothes, hygene, mannerism etc) You would want to model the behavior and professionalism that you would expect out of them.
I feel it is very important that the instructor informs the students why you are qualified to teach the course and what your background can offer related to the class topic.
With being a new instructor, I had to put my best foot forward and lt them all know what I expect from all of them. If students do not see you setting an example, what are they expected to do.
Hi Dr. Kim,
This has been my experience as well. I need to be supportive of these students at the beginning of the class because they often are unsure about how to take notes and get settled back into the "being a student" routine. Has this been your experience as well?
Gary
I find the statement regarding the non-traditional returning students to be true. Most of them appeared to be better motivated than their traditional counterparts.
Dr. Kim
You only have one chance to make a good and positive first impression. If this is done correctly, you help set the stage for the students and clearly set the expectations. Professional dress, a firm welcoming handshake while looking them in the eye, starting on time, good organization to start the class, etc. are all great ways to make a positive first impression.
Hi Adrienne,
Good question. Yes, it can but as an instructor you are starting with some challenges. An instructor that makes a very poor first impression needs to do a self inventory of why the impression was poor and then create a strategy for overcoming that impression. Each time the class meets an instructor should make sure that the thing that causes the poor first impression is totally removed from the teaching delivery and the students will slowly move away from that poor first class meeting.
Gary
I believe this is the best opportunity to show you want to teach and want the student to learn...Your excitement to teach in your area of expertise is demonstrated which motivates students and begins a repore for the student future success.
The first class will be the model for the rest of the term. If the class is only 6 weeks, that one class will determine whether a student is comfortable enough to stay in the class with you, dro or change classes.
If you are having a bad day, you should mask that so students don't have a clouded judgement of you. There isnt a lot of time to establish yourself in a ositive way.
You only have one chance to make this impression, and this impression is durable! Students, like all of us need to make these first impressions so as to judge, sort, and otherwise determine how this new person fits into our experiences and expectations. Once done, changing this is difficult. While our personality remains constant (at least it should, if we want to be percieved as real by others) we can go far to set up a comfortable and relaxed learning environment with how we organize and plan our learning environments. By remaining positive, repectful, and genuinely concerned for the students we instruct, this first impression should be positive by definition.
What happens if you fail to make a positive impression? Can it be repaired?
A good first impression will set the tone for future interactions in the classroom. It may undo a misconception a student has heard about that class or you as an instructor.
I fear if I speak about negative experiences that students will talk about them to the previous classes. I would usually like to generalize what would be negative behavior and emphasize the positive.
A positive first impression let's the students know that you are the instructor in charge of the class, how the class will be run, and the expectations of the student's in the class, and you will gain the respect of your students It also lets them know that you are there to teach them and not to play
It will take three times as long to recover from a bad first impression than it would if you made a good one at the start. In my classes I always keep the mood upbeat and music playing as people come in, so that they feel a little warmth before they even begin.
your first impression is the most important noone forgets your first impression
Gives you an opportunity to:
Introduce yourself
Discuss accessibility and office hours
Present course overview
Get to know your students
