Hi Lizzeth,
I wish you the best on your first day. Let me know how you make out with your class and the all important first impression.
Gary
I wanted to complete this module because tomorrow is the first day of class and wanted to get helpful hints and information on presenting myself with a positive first impression. First impressions are extremely important in laying out the foundation of how the students will view you. It is important to be well prepared, organized & demonstrate a sense of expertise & competency in the course you will be teaching. Students need to come out of that first day of class knowing the course will be well taught by an individual who will help them succeed.
Hi Dean,
This is a good point. By establishing yourself as a well organized and knowledgeable professional you are creating a solid base from which you can operate throughout the course.
Gary
Hi Sarah,
Good ice breaker. This is a fun way for everyone to get settled into the course.
Gary
A positive first impression can set the tone for the class/students as an enviornment that will be more productive.
You want your students to respect your knowledge and authority in the classroom. A good first impression can catch their attention and demonstrate why you have tools and knowledge to offer to them.
A positive first impression sets the tone for the entire session. If I come to that first class unprepared, it sets the bar very low with regard to what students expect from me. It also throws up a wall of sorts as I would not be viewed as someone they can effectively interact with.
However, if I come to class energized, organized and prepared, students see that I am committed to being their partner in the learning process. As students enter the class, I greet them and ask them about their day. I introduce myself and tell a bit about my background as well.
I smile, smile, smile and my enthusiasm for the course is clearly evident. I feel it is important to show that this is more than a job for me, but it is my passion. I believe that opens up the opportunity for rich interaction throughout the course.
The impression that you make that first day of class will give the students an idea of how much you are “in the course.” This goes back to passion. One of the first impressions that I like to make is an “excitement” over course material. I like to convey to students how the material is useful to them not only in an academic light but in light of what they are pursuing professionally. I once had a medical student tell me that some of the courses that they were taking that were not related to their major were pure “BS.” Translated, that means that the course in not relevant (to anything) and is a waste of time. There is rhyme and reason for their taking certain courses and I think that it is important for students to understand that. I once had a World History teacher that demonstrated excitement over the material on a daily basis and, quite frankly, kept me excited. He added life to what could have been a very boring class. I also think that it is important to convey to students that you genuinely care about them. The proof will be in the pudding but that rapport will also keep students engaged by understanding that there is a mutual understanding that they not only do well in the class but actually learn useful information and tools.
Another ice breaker that really takes the tension off is to pass around a bag of m&ms. Students are told to take as many as they want but aren't told why. Once they have all taken some explain that they have to share with the class items about themself. One item for every m&m. They get fed and eveyone talks!
Hi Michael,
Good suggestion. I am a big fan of variety and the use of fun activities at different times to help students get settled and reduce stress.
Gary
Been positive and make them exceting for the new class and the new teacher
Students make a quick assessment of an instructor in that first meeting, and that assessment will persist through the term if not through the association of the instructor and student.
The postive first impression starts with the introduction. Who is the person the student is learning from, what is there to learn and how will we learn and why do I need to learn the material.
Don't forget about how must fun it will be
One suggestion may be to create a fun ice breaker. For example, If you were a fruit what fruit would it be and why?
It allows a release of first day nerves and starts converations in the class.
A positive impression is important when starting a new class, because it gives the student an idea how the class will be handled.
Often times we come of with a stern discipline in which some students will take that as offensive, others may enjoy and realize this will help them succeed. This could also remind them of thier home setting the grounds are mutual. You don't want to develop or let students see that you are not prepared or you don't know the subject matter. This leads way to other problems for teaching the class.
It is always good to put your best foot forward, maybe do some tweeking not much, and to hold a firm decision on the goals and objectives you have to reach for the students.
A positive first impression will set the tone for the entire course. It is so important to be fully prepared, positive and encouraging, and at the same time establishing standards for the course.
Renee Bipes
Career college students are motivated for change and learning, but want to ensure that they will be ushered forward reliably and ably. Making a good first impression puts the students at ease and certifies the instructor's position for the students.
You want your students to respect you and feel that they are going to get something out of class because you are a quailified instructor and that you care about them.
I think it always helps to come looking very professional> I always wear a nice busines suit to my classes for the first week.
Thanks mark for the great information on starting a class
