I have noticed that students have a greater respect for you if your first impression is straight forward approach
Chanda,
Good reminder for all of us to refresh in our minds. We need to be prepared and ready to teach each time we enter the classroom.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Students need to have confidence in their instructors. The instructor has to first have confidence in themsleves and in their method of teaching before a student can be confident in an individual. I hate when I hear an instructor say they don't know the subject matter for class lecture. That should never be said. The instructor should always know the content of what is being taught.
Douglas,
Thank you for sharing this example of the power of a positive first impression. You are right about the fact that the "coffee stain" image will never leave the mind of the observer.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In one of my management classes we were asked what did the expression "coffee stains" refer to? It referred to a lobby of a business and the carpet was stained with spilled coffee and every customer that passed by it developed a negative opinion, although the compamy was a great company, however if it's your first time being in that lobby, the impression of the coffee stain will be the one thing you will always remember no matter how great the service was. You can not have more than one first impression.
Because this sets the standards and expectations for you as well as the students. If they see the modeling from the first glance it will become the norm.
VERONICA,
Yes, it is. This is why it is so important to set a positive stage. This way you are moving forward instead of digging out of a bad situation.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Crystal,
Yes they are. They need to reflect the demands of the field and be clear for the students to understand.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This true Ive never tought a class before and it is very hard to dig your way out of a bad first impression.
Agreed, How your standards are set are a great model for the students.
Richard,
Good point and one that needs to be remembered as preparation is being made to start a new class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree. Students do look up to us, we are their role model. This is why is important to dress professionally, be ontime, and focus on the material.
Johan,
Right you are and it is important to set the stage for the course with this information.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Unless this is your first class at a new institution the term first impression may not be accurate. Most of the time your students have already established an opinion of you. You may also have some preconcieved opinion of your new students. Not only do students compare notes but so do the instructors. By looking back at your previous classes and knowing what went well and not so well you can then begin the process of either clearing up past misconception of you or reinforcing the positive opinions.
This gives the class the understanding of what you expect from the class. if you give them stright forward goals and allow for them to ask question then there should be no reason that the class will follow suit.
The old saying holds true here. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. You will be judged for the rest of the term based on that first few minutes the students meet you.
First impressions in my opinion will make or break your student teacher relationship. If you give a bad impression such as (i know it all and my way is th only way) you will have given a poor first impression. The result in my opinion will be your students having a negative outlook on you not the subject.
How you present yourself during the first 15 minutes of class will set the stage for the rest of the course. Student need to know that you are prompt, organized, and professional. One of the most difficult aspects of this might be establishing yourself as an authority, but still being approachable and friendly.
Antonio,
I think the information method you are using gives you some valuable insight to your students. This way you will be able to structure your instructional delivery in a way that engages your students in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The tone you set for the first couple of minutes will show the class what type of person you are. We make up our minds about someone in the first 5 minutes of meeting them.
