As the instructor/model/mentor/monitor, you want students to respect you. They will be more likely to listen to you and contribute to a positive class environment. I strive to keep lines of communication open at all times -- even when I perceive students aren't happy with me. I'll elicit feedback via a short journal assignment about students' feelings about their performance in class and my performance in class. Sometimes what I perceive to be a flaw in my teaching methods turns out to be a crisis or some drama in their home lives. Example: I have a row of angry-faced students in the back of the class, and I think they may be angry with me or with a class assignment, or maybe they don't understand something, or I've offended them and didn't realize it. Through a journal entry, I might learn that one student hurt the other student's feelings or they are fighting with their families at home.
Other times, I'll get feedback through student response devices (we call call them clickers). These allow students to answer a question completely anonymously, and I can get a feel for how the class as a whole is doing/feeling/learning.
Because learning is a give-and-take between student and teacher, student and curriculum, and student and other students, I really want all of us to be open and receptive to each other. Whether we agree with the text/teacher/other student or not is a different matter, but as long as we are all able to speak to and listen to each other, learning continues.
Students respond well when the instructor is positive and up beat when they walk into class.
It is very important to make a positive first impression beacuse the first day sets the tone for the class. If the students believe you are professional and someone to be respected, they will try to model your behavior. It is also important to them to feel that you care about them and their success, not only in the classroom, but in their entire career. I think this can also be conveyed on the first day of class by introducing yourself and giving them some insight into your personality, and by showing that you are accessible to them and are willing to help them whenever possible.
I like to share something very small about me as a person. A favorite sports team etc. Letting the students see that i'm human eases the nervous students into a more comfortable zone
To get the students attention right away. Get the respect and understanding from your students to know where to come from you ability to teach that course and generate energy to make the students comfortable with you?
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Therefore, you want that first impression to be a positive impression.
Kevin,
So true. If the first class causes a sense of dread or fear then it is going to be hard to focus on the second class meeting. Instructors need to set the tone for the class and then build a positive progression from there.
Gary
No student wants to walk into a new class and feel a sudden aura of dread and despair wash over them just because the teacher made a poor first impression. A bad first impression can severely negatively impact a class for the entire duration, no matter how hard the instructor tries to fix it.
A positive first impression is important because ultimately it sets the tone for the whole time you are with your class.
If you give that great and positive fir impression it makes way for a great class to be had by both the teacher and the students. The students will feel confident and relaxed if they get that positive first impression from you the minute you greet the students and introduce yourself/the course. You set the tone, and if it is positive I feel only more positivity will flow from that first impression.
Showing professionalism, proper attire, motivation, and that you are there for your students are all very important steps in conquering that positive first impression that I hope we all strive to have on that first day of class. I feel without that first positive impression, there will be a lack of positivity from your students, and in the end they may not even take you seriously which in turn can make for quite the difficult teaching experience.
Making a positive first impression is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the course. If students see the instructor is professional, takes teaching seriously, is enthusiastic about the subject and is a caring person, the students will be more likely to be respectful of the instructor, know that the classroom is a safe environment, and be more motivated to come to class and ready to learn.
Luis,
You make a number of good points about first impressions. We need to realize how important they are as we finalize our plans for the first class meeting. We need to make sure we set the stage in a positive way so we can build on that image throughout the course.
Gary
Myrthe,
Good points about first impressions. They set the stage for the upcoming course and help to give the students a feel for their instructor and how he/she is going to operate.
Gary
It sets the tone and expectations right at the beginning of the corse
A positive first impression is important because, in order for students to succeed not only in the classroom, but in their career, they must have confidence in their instructor. They must know the instructor is going to provide them with the information they need to succeed. When meeting the instructor for the first time, if the student does not feel you can help them and are not the right person for the job, the chances of their success is minimal.
There is never a second chance at a first impression. I learned and applied this all my life. First impressions set the tone for the rest of the course. You must believe in your product or no one will buy it. You must let student know that you are there for them and not just for the pay check. Students can see right through the instructor because they are deciding if they are going to learn from you that very first day.
A positive first impression is important when starting a new class because it will set the tone for the whole course. Just like with any interaction, a first impression is a hard one to change; it is usually lasting. Students need to be aware of the boundaries and expectations and have a clear picture of what the class is going to be about. This will help eliminate some potential problems down the road.
I have been teaching at the facility since 2005 and I have found that if you do not put forth effort to make the class interesting, then the students are going to be bored. By changing your teaching styles you encourage growth and expansion of knowledge. Just by utilizing the white boards at the front of the class, keeps the students from falling asleep, they have to take notes. Using the overhead projector you encourage questions over the subject matter. The students will want to attend the class if their first impression is one of activity and interaction verses just lecture every class. The students I am fortunate enough to have in the class have ample opportunity to discuss, question and state opinions without reprisal. The impression I have made with the students is one of respect. From their side they show respect for the instructor and respect is shown for the student from me.
When you take on a Professional postion. It is very important that you dress for success for you and your students.As a instructor you must be a leader and play the role. This will let students know not only you have confidence in your work but also in your professionalism as well.
A positive first impression when starting a new class is important because you want to establish yourself as a person of expertise and authority.
making a positive first impression will set the tone for your class. It will make teaching them much easier if they understand you methods right away.
