I find that being very relaxed really helps in the first impression. Student notice when I am the least bit "stressed".
Overcoming a bad first impression adds more takes away from valuable classroom time and work.
It sets the stage for the rest of the course, and by insisting on positive feedback from your students you are encouraging them to get the most from their learning experience.
The rapport established with students in those critical first moments together can create a learning environment that is relaxed but orderly, cultivate in students an excitement to learn, and encourage confidence to participate fully in the learning experience.
If you feel a twinge of apprehension on the first day of class, don't worry; you're not alone. Even veteran teachers experience the first-day jitters. Just remember, what you feel as nervousness will probably be perceived as energy and enthusiasm by your students. So take your nervousness and translate it into high spirits.
The rapport established with students in those critical first moments together can create a learning environment that is relaxed but orderly, cultivate in students an excitement to learn, and encourage confidence to participate fully in the learning experience.
If you feel a twinge of apprehension on the first day of class, don't worry; you're not alone. Even veteran teachers experience the first-day jitters. Just remember, what you feel as nervousness will probably be perceived as energy and enthusiasm by your students. So take your nervousness and translate it into high spirits.
I think that a positive first impression is important when starting a new class because the first class sets the tone of the course by laying out the expectations of the instructor and the course. So, a positive impression eases out the anxiety in the minds of the students by sending out the message that the expectations of the instructor are fair, reasonable, relevant and reachable.
First of all, you never get a second chance to make first impression.Your appearance needs to project professionalism. Too casual an appearance will convey the idea to the students that you are not going to be very demanding of their performance throughout the class. Next, you need to begin the class punctually and on time. You also firmly address need to punctual and the consequences if caught cheatin followingrom your students. these guidelines will establish your leadership position in the class ans will demand respect.
Recently, I had to take over instruction of a class that was abandoned by their instructor, he left the class without direction, took all student work and was late to every class. Making a positive first impression was critical to retention, the image of professionalism that the school itself projects and most of all to student learning. It was probably one of the most difficult classes to get through and there was only 8 of the 30 students present! We are at our very last two weeks and when asked for feedback, the number one comment above all was that they greatly appreciated that I was there early and had handouts. I was able to build some trust with the students but not without a very hard first day together.
all the following things that's going to be in the following classes usually depend on or will be a result of the first impression
Students need to know several things right away. Such as you are fair,competent,understanding, knowledgeable, prepared, etc... If they don't believe these things they can't/won't believe what you are trying to teach them.
To set the tone for the duration of the class. Clearly representing myself as the instructor who will help them achieve their course objectives.
Making a positive first impression is critical because you will never get that opportunity again. If you are able to earn the students' respect from day one, it will make the entire semester run more smoothly.
It gives eveyone a sense of direction. If the instructor is not prepared it gives the students a feeling that the instructor does not care. If they students walk into the class and the instructor is ready and prepared. They will come to class prepared and ready to work.
The first impression will be an imprint on your students mind from the first day forward. It is important to make a good one!
It's important to make a Positive impression the first day because the first impression it tells alot about you and your appereance.
We talked about modeling and motivation previously. Since many students have never been instructed on how to be professional it now depends on there perception of the instructor and their level of professionalism. This method increases the chances of making a big hit on the first day of class.
Tabitha,
You make a very good point that we all need to remember as instructors. We need to "sell" ourselves and our field from the first day forward.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think from being a former student my self . If you have a good first impression from your teacher in the beginning of class . It makes you get excited about taking the class and learning from it . As well as, doing the best you can too pass it . I know I have had some bad instructors that didn't give that first impression and I didn't learn much from that class.
Martin,
Simple concept but a powerful one. A positive first impressions sets the tone for classes to come.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It's important to make a positive first impression for many reasons. It is better for the instructor and student if the student is interested and motivated for the class from day one. If the student has a good impression of the instructor they may have a better impression of the course to come. This will put them on the right track to have a positive attitude and stay motivated to succeed.
