Students have, like most of us have reservations or cognitive dissonance after making a decision. making a good first impression reinforces the idea that the student has made an excellent choice by choosing to take the class.
That sounds like a great icebreaker, I learned that at my first job, if you bring candy to work everyone is so much happier. When trying to make a positive first impression what do you do with the students that arrive late on the first day of class?
The first impression sets a tone for the remainder of the quarter. Initially, I also want to convey a spirit of professionalism as an example for all to follow. Enthusiasm and strong direction must be present to convey the message that we are here to accomplish a task (learning the subject matter). I prefer to be very specific about my requirements and expectations for the class. I feel it is better to seem strict and ridgid at first. As the quarter continues, I am able to relax my strict ground rules and move to a friendly posture.
As is the usually the case, moving from lenient to strict is very difficult while changing from strict to more lenient works well.
Hi Richard,
Try greeting each student as he/she enters the classroom each time the class meets. If you can ask each student one question that they can respond to easily. It can involve the weather, sports, local event, school happening, etc. Point is you are talking with each student in a different setting than the formal class. You will be surprised at how quickly you will develop your skills of interaction. Before you know it you will be much like the professor in the video.
Gary
Hi Kimberly,
Can't say enough about this. For many students, you are the first person they have ever met that has been in their field of training. By getting to know you and learn from you they can develop an appreciation for why they will encounter when they go to work themselves.
Gary
I liked what the professor did in the video from Harvard. Briefly came up to each student and spoke with them for a few moments. Made them everyone had an equal share of his attention. He did it with an ease I wish I possessed.
because it sets the level of respondsibility of the instructor
A positive first impression sets the tone and atmosphere for the remainder of the course. It helps to establish credibility of the instructor and initiates the development of rapport between instructor and student.
The way you are seen is who they will become. You are their role model.
By setting a positive first impression you're setting the tone for the remainder of the course. The students are concerned about so much walking in the classroom that first time; it helps to give them as clear of an idea of what is expected of them as possible along with a sense that you're in it with them and are approachable and professional.
I think it's important to have a positive first impression because so much of how we relate to each other ... what we say, what we understand, what we hear, what we think of the other person ... happens in the first few moments of meeting someone. Even in conversation, we tend to understand what the other person is going to say before they are even done saying it. Same thing in a class: leaving a positive first impression is so important because it sets a positive tone for the class.
You really do hae only one chance to make a good first impression and to set out the bounds within which you will teach the course, ie mutual respect and your expectations
A positive first impression is so important for many reasons. first of all, it tells the students that you are excited about the class. How can you come over as positive if you as the leader are not excited. Being early, ready to go and greeting the students before the start of class also sets a positive first impression. I remember when I was a student on first day of class and the teacher was just sitting in the corner at his desk going over his notes and thinking "I wonder how this is going to go?". Your actions as a teacher sets the mood for the rest of the day.
The first impression creates the type of instructor students will be with for the lenght of the course. For example; An instructor greeting each student during their arrival to class. A student will feel comfortable. An instructor in his or her desk with an impression on their face like they hate to be there, while the students walking into class. The students will feel uncomfortable. There will be no connection with the students.
Hi Lilly,
This is a great student contact model. It is consistent and supportive. Thank you for sharing it with us to use as a model in our own classrooms.
Gary
First impressions are important because it sets the tone for the rest of the class and the rest of the term.
It also shows the students that you are ready as the instructor, which also communicates to them the importance of being prepare and ready to go in the class.
Finally, first impressions are also important because you do not get a second chance to make a first impression. It is important to be ready, to be a professional, to communicate through actions that being prepare and organized is important for the successful completion of the course.
Yes, the first impression sets the mood
Showing students that you care by taking the time to prepare prior to the first class, by emailing them a welcome note. Providing them with a syllabus, outline and supply list gives them a sense of ease and confidence in the instructor.
If you fail to make a good first impression, you have failed to set the tone for the semester and it will effect how students respond to you and the class.
Before the first class, I will email students with a welcome note and letting them know what we will be doing this semester. I also include a supply list, syllabus and my contact information.
I come to class early, dressed appropriately and set up the projector with the syllabus showing class name, section, and instructor’s name on the large screen. I greet my students as they come in and welcome them individually to the class.
At start time, I introduce the class name, number, section and then my name, profession and where I went to school and grew up. I briefly engage students one-on-one by calling out their names and ask them to correct mispronunciations and to let me know if they prefer to be called by any other name, e.g. Robert prefers to be called "Bob or Rob". I will ask them where they grew up.
Depending on the size of the class, I will either ask students to tell us about themselves or if it is a large class will break them into groups of five, so that they can get to know each other. After fifteen minutes, we come together as a class and a group member will introduce a fellow group member to the class. Introductions move much faster, students feel at ease and are not as shy when speaking about their classmate. I break for twenty minutes and encourage students to step out of class for a beverage or a snack. I stay in class for students that want to talk one-on-one.
Upon resuming class, I review my contact information (clearly stated on the syllabus), the course objectives, requirements (textbook), school policies and in-class policies. I pause for questions and discussions. I review the rubric and grading scale. I pause for questions. I break for ten minutes. I resume and review the topical outline and assignments (sometimes providing samples of work or wait to show samples on week two). Pause for questions and discussion. I talk about why I like to teach the course and let them know that I am looking forward to working with them this semester. I will do a brief lecture and review the first reading or assignment and end the class.
I believe a positive first impression assists in retention as well as the other things mentioned in the course. If we create a positive first impression I think it sets the tone for future classes with attendance, attitudes, participation, and course activities.
Julie
