I agree with you! instructors should make the students WANT to be in that class and first impressions is a critical venue to show that on the first day.
It is important to establish a good first impression with the students so that they feel comfortable in the class and comfortable enough to ask questions when they are unsure of assignments.
A Positive first impression is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the session/semester/quarter. That session will go by fast nevertheless but that first day can be impressionable for the students as how they will like the course- the instructor- and the course material.
Students become annoyed very quickly when they are stressed. Nothing is worse than a teacher who is not prepared. That is one way to make a bad first impression. Get everything in order before class starts.
I can tell from my experience that students do a good bit of research before enrolling in a class and thay have some idea about the instructor. The first impression an instructor creates can be critical for the students. Many times students will either drop out after first class meeting or will influence other students to enroll in the class.
Students are scared, so as an instructor you must give them comfort and comfort is giving them a good first impression.
Hi Vicki,
This is a great example of what first impressions are all about. It is amazing at how a home can be perceived this quickly. Seven seconds is a very short span of time but it determines whether a perspective buyer is going to spend anymore serious time looking at the home. As you say this is the same for students. We have to be prepared and ready to make that good impression so the class can move forward.
Gary
Our house is for sale now and we had a stager work with us to get ready. She said people decide whether or not they're going to pursue their interest in your home within the first 7 seconds of seeing it (which is why curb-appeal is so important). The same is true of first impressions of people. In the classroom, students are quite astute and can size up instructors pretty quickly. In only seconds, they make judgements and if the impression is good, the instructor will have an easier time in establishing credibility and gaining their confidence. But if it's bad, it's like starting out in a hole where the instructor must dig him/herself out.
A positive first impression on the student matters a lot. It sets the tone for the duration of the course. The saying that you do not have a second chance for a first impression should apply here.
The students need to see the professor as a very knowledgable person, organised an in control.
This entails being there on time, welcome each student to the class, solid introduction of yourself and the syllabus, setting a tone of how you want things to run etc.
If you want the dress code to apply, you, as the professor will come in very professionally dressed for the class.
Hi Christine,
Good point. First impressions plus what has been relayed to the current class by previous students all help to form their image of you and how the class is going to go. This is why it is so important to be prepared and offer an exciting first class meeting.
Gary
A positive first impression allows the instructor to be viewed as the leader in the classroom, as well as allows them to "set the tone" of the classrrom environment - it allows them to direct learning and help students accomplish goals and objectives
Sandra: I try with some classes to have the students introduce themselves. I find it works a little better with the upper level classes.
Christine: I guess it is like love at first sight!
Boy your last statement is so very very true. You have to put forth that look and act like a professional to set the tren.
That first class gives the direction of the class for the whole term or semester,
I agree with you, the first impression in my eyes is the most important part of the first day in the class room with a new group of students.
I have noticed that students make a quick assessment of their instructors. If they feel like they will be a good instructor or not. It happens very quickly.
I find that allowing students an opportunity for introductions on first day also provides the instructor many opportunties to tie in relevant course content, especially when used as an example to 'why are you here/what are your future goals'.
Students become familiar with each other, find common interests and I can relate many course content themes to their stated goals with examples in a mild mannered way.
A positive first impression is important because it sets the tone to how the students will perceive your classroom lectures.
Students just as instructors might be nervous of the unknown so I always try to show my excitement by being bubbly, active, etc. That aids in easing some of the possible tension:)
Hi John-Howard,
You have expressed well the advantages of having a professional approach to the first class. It sets the standard for upcoming classes. It is so much easier to have that positive first impression in the minds of students rather than chasing after a poor first impression and trying to correct it.
Also, a good point about how the positive first impression can help students to get settled and comfortable in the course.
Gary
