I think the first impression you make creates how the students will react to your teaching style. It also allows them to know your expectations and theirs. I give them a little sheet called winning attitude. I ask them about the training thus far. I ask them what made them successful or unsuccessful so far. What do they feel are their weak and strong points and what do would they like to get out of this class.
It is so important that first impression you present to your students because you are their role model, let look up to you. Careful planning and preparation will make your class a success.
Benjamin,
So true and so important to the future success of the course and how the students and instructor are going to work together. Digging out of a negative hole is no way to move a course forward. Plan and make the first impression and it is forward from there.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Adult students already have some form of judgment made up in their mind before they even step into the classroom. it is important to not only look the part and be professionally dressed but to carry yourself in a way that shows you are knewledgable and capable of delivering them a quality education. You want to build trust from the very start!
I think that a positive first impression is important because you want to get the class started out on the right foot. If a student thinks you're boring off the bat, you may never get them back, but if you give the impression that you are a pushover, then you may have discipline problems on your hands.
The best positive first impression will set the overall tone from the minute the students meet you. You are sending messages to the students via your appearance, demeanor, language, attitiude.
You never get another chance to make a good first impression. This sounds cliche, but it is true. Your students are evaluating you as much as you are evaluating them during your initial meeting in the classroom. It is very important to show the students that you are a professional, that you care, and that you will facilitate their learning throughout the course. If you start on the wrong foot here, you are setting yourself, and your students, up for failure later on.
Terizian,
I agree to a point, but students are more likely to look in the book if they like the cover. This can and shoud be done sooner rather than later. Think of the job interview. There is typically only one shot to impress the employer.
Carol Myslinski
Hello,
The positive first impression sets the tone for the remainder of the term. If a student sees that the teacher is late and disorganized, students will imitate those same behaviors.
Carol Myslinski
Jennifer,
Thank you for these comments about a first impression. So true and so important for instructors to establish the first class meeting.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
John,
You are right about that.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Caryn,
I appreciate you sharing your experience with us. Through no fault of your own you were put in a negative first impression setting. You were able to work out of it but think of the time that was invested in getting back on course. This is a reminder for us all when it comes to class planning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A positive first impression is very important. As they say “You don’t have a second change to make a first impressionâ€. They will trust you more and believe what you say if they have had a good impression of you at first. If you love your job (this will come across at the first meeting) and they are going to work in the same field it affirms there choice of careers.
Being honest is not a chore but pretending is
Also by exhibiting a positive first impression, you are being a role model for your students.
Just like a reputation, once you make a bad one, its hard to live down. Unfortunately, my first day teaching in a new program, I was asked to cover a class for someone who was absent. Having no time to prepare, I felt very inadequate and that reflected to the students. When it came time to have them in a class of my own, they had already formulated an opinion of me that I had to work hard to overcome.
Ian,
Well said. The first impression sets the stage as you say for the rest of the course. Sometimes in the hurry to get a new course started instructors forget to bring their A game to the class and get the students settled into a positive learning environment.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A positive first impression is important for many reasons. The first is that a positive first impression will give the insructor credibility. It will also show professionalism and model this for the students. A good first impression will put the students at ease, prepare them for learning and show them who is in control of the class. It will set the instructor up to be the leader of the classroom environment but also accessible for tutoring, asking questions, and clarification.
In short a positive first impression will set the class on course for the rest of the term, degree, learning experience, etc.
Amber,
Right you are. A good first impression is a solid foundations upon which to build the rest of the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Ann,
This is so important and it sets the tone for the rest of the class sessions. Getting the students settled in and comfortable is important for future learning and engagement.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
