I totally agree with this, the students are meeting you for the first time. They are going to spend a lot of time with you and how you present yourself within that first few minutes determines so much.
How do you make a positive impression?
Well I believe it is a two way street at the "git go" I, as an instructor; must show knowlege of what I am about to convey and present a positive outlook on the learning success of each student individually.
I have watched instructor constantly talking about how many test they will have from the very first time they walk into class. This not the total objective. Learning success is creating an atmostphere for students. Letting them know what is expected of them and reinforce the learning stage daily.
First impression to me is being on time for class and dressing for success. I like to greet students on the first day by being in the class room first. I like to dress the part by looking professional as well.
A positive first impression is important when starting a new class because attitudes are contagious if your happy and excited about teaching they will be happy and excited about learning!
A positive first impression sets the stage for a rewarding student/instructor interaction.
With careful planning and preparation that first encounter can be one that helps the students understand what you expect and provides you with the opportunity to establish yourself as an instructor of quality and integrity.
To develope rapport. When rapport is developed trust and confidence follows.
A positive impression is being on time, having everything in order and ready, dressing professionally. I think it is important to greet your students into the classroom. Once class has started perform a formal introduction of your self. I see alot of students throughout the day and there are some I see on a regular basis in the hallway but not in the classroom. I do not assume that they know who I am and my history.
it sets the tone for the remainder of the class module.It shows the students that you are professional and serious about their learning experience.
The same way first impression matters when we go for a job interview it’s the same when we first walk into a classroom. I remember walking in to first class what I did first was make sure I look presentable and wrote my name on the board so they know not to call me by fist name or nick name. First impression is important because student will only feed of the instructors’ energy.
There are so many students, especially non-traditional students, who are waiting for an excuse not to continue their education. The first impression will all the teacher to become approachable, make students feel comfortable being in the classroom, and it allows the student to be comfortable with learning.
You are "setting the stage" and creating clear and concise expectations for the course.
Thi is upmost important, as you want to get the students excited that they are taking that class and everything they will get out of the class! If they have a great first impression their excitement will turn into learning
The first impression is used to put student at ease, has the proper textbooks, in the right class, let student know you have his future in mind, that you are qualified to teach course.
It is important because it sets the mood of the class. If you are not positive then you won't be able to hold their attention.
How true your statement about encouraging conversation. This will become the class participation and openess to critical thinking and problem solving.
Set ground rules, expectations etc, therefore students can not come back and say they didn't know or understand expectations of class.
Dan,
Good examples of how to make a negative first impression. You are right about students seizing up an instructor from the minute that individual enters the room. We need to get it right from the very beginning.
Gary
Arlene,
Well said. It is so much easier to build on a positive first impression rather than having to dig out of a negative hole throughout the course phase.
Gary
Michael,
So true. This is a great way for everyone to get off to a good start. A positive first impression says a lot about how the course will be conducted and sets the tone for the learning that is going to come.
Gary
The old saying," You have only one opportunity to make a positive first impression", is so true. From the moment students lay eyes on their instructor, they are forming a first impression. How you're dressed, how your hair looks, how you seem,(confident, organized, friendly, approachable, etc).Or, do they percieve you as unorganized, hauty, dishoveled; in general, someone they either respect, or find weird, weak,stuck-up, and in general, and unrespectable.
So, it is vital that instructors make a positive first impression, and to be aware of the many factors that go into making that first, positive impression.
