I remind myself that students are forming impressions not only of me, but of the school and the profession.
It helps set the tone for the rest of the course. some students will feel nervious the first day, but seeing the instructor is a positive and confident in his approch can help ease the nerves of a student that is nervious.
Teachers one of the important task is to create an environment and impression that teacher is the good leader and motivator.
A positive first impression is critical to student learning. It shows the instructor has good time management skills and will be their mentor from the first day of class until graduation. Often times my students that have gradated still contact me via email to update me and thank me for my first impression day one of class. It makes me feel good as an instructor that I did not let them down in their studies and professional/personal challeenges they may endure.
I can't agree more, especially when teaching a class or group of students for the first time. Understanding and meeting the students’ expectations in the first meeting sets the tone for the rest of the course. Coming prepared to class, showing passion and love to what you do, and being professional are the recipe for success.
A positive first impression is so important because it will set the foundation for the rest of the classes. If you have a negative first impression you would have only dug yourself a hole and you will have to spend the rest of the time getting out of it. It is always a good idea to start each session with your best foot forward.
Starting off with a bad or negative impression is hard to overcome---just do it right from the beginning and make life easier on you and your students.
The first day to me is the most important day, this day to need to be in class early make sure that you are prepared and ready to go when the students gets there. You want to show that you are on time and ready to work, that will give the students the impression that you enjoy what you do and that you are ready to work with them and that is very important.
the first encounter can be one that helps the students understand what you expect and provides opportunity to establish an understanding that I am of quality and integrity
VALERIE,
Good strategy. You are right about needing a positive first impression because 9 months is a long time to try to correct a negative one. I am sure your students really appreciate your concern and investment in their success at your college and in your course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
At my college, students remain together for 9 months. I have the same group that start and finish together. If I get off on a bad start, they have this impression of me for 9 months. I find it hard to overcome that. One thing that I do is take the new students on a short tour towards the end of class. My college is small, so this doesn't take more than 15 min. I show them where the bathrooms, break rooms, computer labs, and offices are. I show them where to get their text books and where to speak to financial aid. I find that this puts the students at ease. Many of them go for a tour with their admissions representative, but have forgotten by the first day. I believe this helps me set a good first impression.
Its crucial. The students first impression of you sets the tone for the entire duration of the course. If I am seeking shelter in a storm, my first choice isnt going to be the house of sticks. I will obviously choose the house of bricks. When I see see the brick house, my first impression is one of safety. I know it is going to protect me far better than the house of sticks. You have to be that house of bricks everytime you introduce yourself to a new group of students.
Rochelle,
I teach from 4 until 10 pm so can relate to what you are saying about needing to set a positive tone for the upcoming course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Seemly because you might not get another chance, if they don't come back or drop the course.
I always have my students cracking up with jokes. I feel it's a great way to shake off any bad feelings. I teach night classes and most of my students work full time during the day so they are ALWAYS tired. I like joking at the beginning of class so they don't think of it too much as a classroom environment, but more as a place they can learn and not be afraid to ask questions.
It can set the tone for the entire term. The key is not make things harder for yourself than they have to be.
Making a positive first impression puts the students at ease. This was the most challenging concept when I began teaching years ago. I originally believed it was a good idea to let them know I was serious, a rule follower, had high expectations, etc. I now understand there is a right way to impart this information while imparting a sense of anticipation and excitement about what they were going to learn. Being clear and supportive with specific information to assist them in being successful while showing them how to be successful in the course does allow for a great first impression.
When starting a new class, the first impression need to be positive because you as an instructor are setting the tone of the classroom and I believe it is one of the most important day.
Definitely easier to create a positive impression rather that making up for a bad one.Also you want to establish credibility and respect from the get go!
A positive first impression shows you are a professional and sets the tone that you require respect and professionalism from your students as well. They will feel compelled to emulate that, which is a good way to begin.
