I think what you said was great. I also thought of playing music during those times too. Being on time is also very import. It teaches the students what you excpect from them
A positive first impression creates positive expectations. Even if problems arise during the semester, students who have positive expectations will view the problems as minor or temporary setbacks that do not deter from the underlying optimism they have about their performance in course.
I think that making a positive first impression is very important!
It really sets the tone for the entire class. If you come early to class prepared, ready to greet students with a smile, it makes such a difference. I also play music before class, during breaks, and as students are leaving. I think that it helps students feel more comfortable. One day I neglected to play the music and a student asked me where the music was for that day.
What kinds of things do you do to make a positive impression?
Hi Lisa,
This is why it is so important to set the stage for the management of the class. By showing the students you are in charge and will be directing their learning you will have a much easier time throughout the learning process.
Gary
We never get a second chance to make a first impression. When the students view you as a resource and a ally to enable them to learn a new skill the lines of communication are opened and future conversations will be much easier. The idea you are human and there to help them, to ensure they stay on course is a benefit to them.
Making a positive first impression shows confidence and enables the student to feel that they are being instructed by someone credible with various real world experiences and backgrounds.
Your first impression can also let students know if you are a "pushover". Or how much they can get away with. Especially for first time instructors.
A positive first impression builds trust. It sets the stage for class and it also makes the students comfortable to be able to open up to you with questions or concerns. You need to be excited about the course...pump the students up! Be positive and it will rub off on the students...not only do you need to do this the first day-but throughout the course!
A positive first impression let's the students know who is in charge of the class, how the class will be run, and the expectations of the student's in the class. As an instructor setting a positive impression, you will gain the respect of your students from the first day of class as well as any other classes that you may teach down the road with some of these students. You will be seen as an instructor that knows the subject matter and is willing to give that information to the students.
By making that first impression a positive one, you set the tone for the rest of the class. If your first impression is a negitive one, then you have to fight back to a good stance with your students.
Hi Charles,
You make an excellent point that all instructors need to remember. We are there to be professional models of what the career area is all about. To take away from that is unfair to the career and to the students. It is ok to have fun and make learning enjoyable but it must be done in a manner that always reflects professionalism.
Gary
I have gotten the impression that many instructors in the "art school" model of higher education tend to think of themselves as if they were professors at Hogwort's Magic Academy. That kookiness and likeability can take the place of professionalism - after all, we are all artistes.
Unfortunately I feel this lighthearted, zany ecclectic approach to instruction can lead students into incorrect assumptions about professionalism in their industry. It is imperative that we as instructors model the highest degree of what is expected in the workforce.
Hi Rachel,
This is a win win for everyone. Your students get excited because you are excited about your field and you get to teach what you love. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I love to relay my passion for what I do to my students. It seems to almost light a positive fire in them and they often view me as someone that they can reference when they are done with school because they know that I care so much about what I do. It really is contagious and when my first impression gets them excited to come to class I feel the same way...which in turn creates a great learning enviornment for all involved.
Hi Charles,
I am sure you are right about the impression that teacher could have made if she had presented herself as a professional educator rather than as she did. This is a good example that we all need to keep in mind as we approach the classroom.
Gary
A positive first impression can set the tone for an entire term! Starting with a good first impression can mean that you are able to focus on the course objectives without having to re-convince your students of your ability to teach the material, or it's relevance to their course of study.
I had a photography teacher once who came into our program late into my 2nd Bachelor's Degree, my class had already formed a cohort of competetive designers and she made such an unprofessional first impression to us, she spent the rest of the semester trying to get our class to accept her as a pro because she came off like an "artiste" , something we felt we could not learn from.
Looking back, I bet she could have nipped all the fuss in that class right on the first day had she come in prepared and on time, not used her artistic nature as an excuse for unprofessionalism.
Hi Bill,
Thank you for sharing this example of how classes did not get tracked off right due to the absence of the instructors. This is a real lesson for all of us to remember as we get ready to meet our classes for the first time.
Gary
The first impression one sets will determine the way the course will go for the entire term.
I have had several instructors who were ill the first day of a term. The instructor's ability to connect with their students was more difficult. The student's confidence in the course and the instructor took approximatelyt double the time. Many students challenged the instructor for a longer period as well. Upon reviewing student evals for the instructors during these specific courses, it seemed as though the students were less connected and did not comprehend the course material as well as students in classes where the instructor of record set the tone.
Students' first impressions set the tone for the entire course. When I come well prepared to my first class, I'm setting the standard that I expect the same from them. When I share my enthusiasm/passion for my profession, and for the content of the course, I am hopefully adding a motivational component to the group that will pay off in student success.
A positive presentation is important so your students don't have a negative impression of you and therefore, affecting their impression of the class.
