One shot at first impressions
We've all taken courses where our first impressions of the instructor were later proved to be inaccurate. This works both ways. I've had bad first impressions turn out wrong: day one was a disorganized mess that ended up being a very good class. This seems to be more common than a great first impression turning out to be a bad class/instructor. We're all human and have challenging situations, but pulling it all together on those bad days is essential when it's day one.
LeWando,
What do you do in your first class meeting to set the stage for the upcoming course?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is very true. I always remember first impression is lasting.
Antonio,
Good point and one that we all need to remember as we approach the classroom or lab for the first meeting. This is the foundation upon which we are going to build the rest of the class sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First impressions are important and you really do only get one shot. While you make change the way your students perceive you and the class over the length of the class, that does not change the first impression.
Jeffery,
Well said and very important to remember and plan for. That first day says a lot about how students are going to perceive the class and the instructor. The first day is when the earning of their respect begins so we need to make it a positive first experience so they will be focused on the value they are going to receive from taking the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
