Starting off with a postive impression shows the students your passion and excitment for the course. I like to talk about the good and bad experiences I have had in the past to help them over come the fear of not knowing the if and's or buts. I feel talking about the negative situations that I was able to turn into a postive out come really makes them feel at ease. Is that a bad convesation?
From my own experience as a student, the instructor personality and teaching style is apparent at the first class meeting. I would like my students to trust, and look up to me as a professional educator so I come to class well prepared and with a smile.
Hi Pheng,
What do you see as being the most important things an instructor can do to see the proper tone for the upcoming class?
Gary
A positive first impression is key to setting the proper tone for the quarter/semester.
a leader should lead by example
The students must have confidence in the instructor, what is presented, and then transfer that to their own self confidence in their ability to complete the course
Hi David,
You are so right. We instructors cannot forget this fact. From day one we set the tone for the class and as we all know it is so much easier to build on a positive first impression rather than trying to correct a negative one throughout the class.
Gary
The instructors first impression will set the stage for all future class activities as well as the basis for the level of professionalism between the instructor and his students.
It is important to make a good first impression because "first impressions are lasting impressions". We do not get the opportunity to repeat the first impression process. It helps set the tone for the remainder of the course. Starting off on a positive note will help create that positive energy as well as positive learning outcomes.
Hi Linda,
I like the way you start a class. You are covering all of the expectations, polices, and requirements of the course while showing the students you are there to support and encourage them. This way the class gets off to a good start and everyone can relax a bit and get ready for a really good class sequence.
Gary
Making a good impression can make or break your class, especially adult learners. The classes I teach are diverse in regards to age, race and social status; by arriving early and well prepared, I am setting the example of how they should act in the medical field. Secondly, I introduce myself, education level and training acquired in relationship with the course I am teaching. I also open the floor for discussion; during this time the students can ask specific questions regarding my educational background and experience in relationship to the course they are taking. I am a storyteller, I enjoy providing the student with my experiences but the students have to provide me with their experiences also. I explain to the students that learning is a two-way street; they learn from me but I learn from them also. Third, I reviewed the syllabus, which has the class time, my office hours, tutoring time, course materials, course goal and objectives, school including classroom rules and weekly course work overview.
Hi Robert,
You are right humans shouldn't be so quick to judge others but they do so we teachers need to make sure that first impression is a good one so we can get everyone off to a good start. Good point.
Gary
A positive first impression also shows the students that you respect them and they will respond in kind.
Quite candidly, while it is probably not fair, the first steps of almost any human interaction are so vital...you either set yourself up for success with your students or create a tough uphill battle by missteps at the outstart.
Hi Jocelyn,
I haven't taught anything like clinical but what I do with my required class is to make a game of the introductions and icebreaker. Take clinical terms and have the students play a game like Bingo with them. Do a matching game with the students moving around the class and talking with other students to get the answers to their needed matches. Be creative in getting the students talking with each other, using the content they have been studying and refresh in their minds why they are in the clinical course.
Gary
A positive first impression is very important especially when teaching a class for the first time. However after you have taught the course several times the students tell their friends what to expect from you and the class. If you are a good instructor your reputation will follow you. I think the most important part of the first class is letting the students know what you expect them to be able to accomplish and that you are available to help them when they have questions.
I teach clinical and i would like to know how can I make it exciting to my class during our first meeting?
It is important that you model what you expect for your students at the beginning of the class. If you are initially impressive professionally and show that you have a good knowledge base, it will set the mode for your students to respect you and model your behavior.
A positive first impression sets the tone for the rest of the course and sets an example for the students. If you are excited and clear about what you expect, it will decrease the anxeity of the students, which will make the class run smoother.
Hi Dalene,
Well said about creating an welcoming environment for students. Your example of your own instructors in your Masters program serves to reinforce how important this is on all levels.
Gary
