I agree with the posted comments - you can't undo a first impression. We need to establish our creditibility as well as share our personality. We need to be a salesperson and a mentor. I have found that the first day sets the tone for the entire course. I must admit that I have had first days where I didn't feel as organized as other times, and it, unfortunately, is very difficult to overcome. On a happy note, I've had many good first meetings that have made for smoother sailing with the rest of the course.
Making a positive first impression is important in establishing yourself as a qualified industry leader. Students want and need to know that you are someone they can learn from, that you are a good mentor. Also, you are setting the standards of the classroom culture on the first day. You cannot expect your students to conduct themselves in a professional manner if you do not.
Hi Jacqueline,
Good point and great advice for instructors. We need to always remember this when we go into the classroom.
Gary
this cannot be underestimated!
A positive first impression is paramount to setting the tone of the class. Your confidence as well as preparedness will show the students how serious you are about their education. Respect starts on day one.
By making a positive impression on the first day of class I believe that the students feel more at ease with the teacher and when the teacher shares experiences in the field it sometimes helps the students to relate with the teacher instead of feeling distant throughout the course.
This is the student's first look into the course and will set the tone for the remainder of the term- it also may be a reason for a student to stay in or drop a course.
I believe in making a positive first impression. On the first day of class, I ask how was their vacation eventhough sometimes it was just a one day break. I normally ask about the Chargers if it is Chargers season so to break the ice. Once I get everybody's attention and alive, I greet them Good Morning/Afternoon an start with our brief introduction. I briefly introduce myself highlighting my learning and work experience hopefully to encourage them to stay focus on their goals. Then I ask them what are their expectations for that module. I also make it a point that at the beginning of each module to mention the success stories of my students who were externs and how some of them got hired. I motivate them so they look forward in achieving a bright future.
Taking from my reading assignment "it can be one that helps the students understand what you expect and provides you with the opportunity to establish your self as an instructor of quality and integrity." I believe this to be true, because I have experienced it.
There is only one first impression. Like a well performed piece of music, the first note and the late note are the most important in the piece. These are often the only two remembered.
Hi Roberta,
First welcome to our profession. You are going to have a great career as an educator. Be prepared both with your syllabus, course requirements and your first day and you will be fine. A positive first impression can be made by being professional with your opening of the class and then have your method of introduction laid clearly. I would suggest that you have an ice breaker that you can use with the students as a part of the introductions. The ice breaker will give you a chance to size up the class, get settled in and help you get over any nerves that you might have. After that it is a matter of bringing your A game to the class each and everyday for the benefit of your students.
Gary
I will begin teaching for the first time on January 4th. The idea of making a positive first impression is perhaps the greatest source of my anxiety. I want to create a balance of showing my students that I am confident, in control, and serious about the subject and the learning experience; while at the same time making them feel comfortable, encouraged, and excited about the days to come. I don't want to appear like a push-over, but I want them to know that I will not tolerate excuses, laziness, etc.
Making a positive first impression for instructors starts the minute an instructor steps into the class room and continue until the class is over. Your first impression is like going on your first job interview. It takes only 30 seconds for an employee to determine whether they are going to hire you. Therefore, when the instructor first enters the room the students form their opinion of you.
Making a positive first impression is so important when you are meeting the class for the first time. Students are looking to you for advice and hold you to a certain standard. If you disappoint them by not making this positive first impression, it will be hard for you to gain their trust and respect later in the class. Students should also know "where you are coming from" and "where you have been", and they will be able to relate to you on so many other levels.
I agree. Sometimes, students will not come back to the class if the instructor leaves a bad impression on the first day.
Hi All,
There have been a number of very good points concerning the value of good first impressions in classes. You all are right on the mark when you say that it is so much easier to keep the interest of the student if the first class meeting goes well. Also, by presenting yourself in a professional way you are setting a standard for the course and your field which the students can follow for their own career growth.
Gary
Making a positive first impression sets the standard for the remainder of the course.
They lay the tone for the class
My students tell me that they feel more comfortable with me from the beginning b/c of how I present myself. Having them comfortable from the beginning is essential to facilitate learning. They will then be more attentive and ask more questions.
