Sets the tone for the class and hopfully hooks their interest. The feeling students have when they walk away from their first day in class contributes to the level of effort they choose to put in.
There is a school of thought that first impression lasts and it is difficult to change once someone has a set perception about something. There are also those who believe that first impressions do not last if there is a significant enough act to change the original perception. Well I believe that even though an instructor has an entire semester to make and change impressions the first meeting sets the tone for the remaining class meeting through the quarter or semester. Students go to the class with preconcieved ideas that the instructor knows what he or she is doing and has a command of the subject matter under consideration. Students look for that the very first day. Trust in the instructor is eroded if the student sense that the instructor is not prepared and not ready for the school term. So a positive first impression is essential to both the success of the instructor and more importantly the student.
A positive first impression is very important when starting a new class because it sets the tone for the entire course. It is important that the students trust that you are prepared and that you are capable to be teaching them. If the students were to get a negative first impression on the first day it will make teaching the class a lot more difficult.
The first day sets the pace for the whole class. The students are watching our everymove and evaluating us.
This time around I told the students my expectations of them, and what they can expect from me. We discussed that this can be a great experiance for them providing that we all act as adults and keep peace in the classroom. That we do our duties (homework) as we would any other duties expected of us outside of the classroom. I told them if they have problems to come to me immediately and that we will get them ironed out ASAP. So far this past week I have responded to to areas of concern and the class has witnessed that I do as I say I will do. They saw that I went home and in my free time I made up a new chart that had been confusing to them, and I also brought in a learning aid to help in an area of confusion for a couple of students. So, I followed though with what I told them I would do during our introduction session.The response from the students has been one of great appreciation. Wow, that makes everything worthwhile.
The best way to make a positive first impression is to be prepared. Of course, being prepared is a broad topic ranging from being qualified, current, well rested, focused, and the list goes on.
The main thing is that you need to recognize that details must be attened to, or you run the risk of making a bad first impression.
The reason this is important is because it sets the "tone" for your class. Making the right impression at the start can make the difference between a good and bad term.
I agree with you Bethanne, sometimes the first impression can be deceitful.At the same time it is always good to be on your best behavior the first time because it goes a long way. I had a bad experience with my neighbor on our first meeting, and it's still affecting our relationship till today.
This type of mental preparation is one that I need to do a more thorough job of to get ready for my class. I too believe the excitement and enthusiasm I have for my classes transfers but I realize I need to further prepare to seem confident and effecient as well. Thank you. Cindy
The first impression is the view our students keep throughout the term. If we start out with a bad impression it can take a whole term to change it or the view may remain forever. Getting off to the right start and having a good rapport with each student is essential to their openness to learn. For the instructor it can mean the difference between a willing student and one that challenges every concept taught in class.
It sets the tone for the whole class. It's important to establish a connection with them and they will respect what you are trying to teach them.
Dr. Meers;
I find it very important to set the tone of a course during the first class meeting. I never tell students if I feel nervous, or am unsure of anything about a course the first time I teach it; rather, I communicate how I feel confident the course will be great, and how excited I am to be teaching them!
It sets the tone for the class. The students need to feel that someone is in control when they may not be on that first day. It gives them a sense of you, as an instructor. I think the students need to feel "invited" into the classroom and feel that they will be getting the education that they came to school for.
A positive first impression is important because it establishes the legitimacy of the instructor as a role model who has the credibility of experience and knowledge necessary to convey that information to the student.
You want to put your students' mind at ease as well as set the tone for the course.
You can set the entire tone of the class as far as professionalism, alertness, friendliness, timeliness, preparedness. Everything speaks about your standards.
Dovie,
Good point and one we instructors always need to keep in our minds. We need to be prepared and organized as we start a new class off so we can create the needed good first impression.
Gary
Making a positive first impression is important when starting a new class, to create a safe atmosphere. I want my students to have confidence in my ability to help them achieve well defined objectives. The first class sets the tone for the quarter.
It is important to make a positive first impressions , because first impressions are lasting. You remember some of the first things people say and do. It might have been a one time issue that occurred on the first meeting, but you still remember it. It is hard to loose a first meeting impression, so make it a positive one.
Making a positive first impression sets the tone for the remainder of the class. It is a step toward building relationships, demonstrating professionalism, organization, and expectations. I want my students to achieve what I ask, but I have to be willing to "put my money where my mouth is." I constantly reflect on how my first day of class went and whether or not my first impression was as good as it should have been.
Jean,
These videos give a good contrast about how one should approach the classroom.
Gary
The Harvard video about the contrast of the 2 law professors was excellent! One shows a very well prepared professor who opened up his class with a shout phrase, "this is one of my FAVORITE cases!" This enthusiasm radiates to the students and engages them right from the beginning. The other professor who stumbles in and looks to hang up his coat and mumbles about his favorite or unfavorite baseball team has already lost most of his students and gives the impression that he/she would rather be elsewhere, which sends the message that this class is really not that important! I would rather have the first professor!!
