Making a positive first impression when starting a new job is imperative. The first impression sets the tone of the type of connection the student will have with their instructor during their course. It can also put a student at ease to feel the comfort connection of an open door, welcome opportunity, to learn in a safe (communication) situation.
That first impression sets the stage for a trusting and comfortable relationship. It can mean the difference between connecting with students and losing them and their interest in the course on the very first day! This is a pretty tough thing to get back, once lost!
Seth,
So true. What are some ways you create a positive first impression with your students?
Thanks for input on this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A first impression is very lasting on how you are perceived.
First impressions will create the perception of the instructor in the students mind and will either be positive or negative. Once a first impression is made, it is very hard to change what the person perceived.
Thomas,
Your last sentence really captures the essence of how to engage students in the learning process. Thank you for making it a part of your comments. Students have to have confidence in their instructor as a learning leader. Without this confidence then the instructor is nothing more than a space heater in a class. Displaying the human factor, interacting in a friendly way and showing confidence as the instructor builds a trust with the students that advances the cause of learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
No matter what the experience and/or ability of the student, every person has the natural inclination towards self-doubt. We each express this in different ways. Some people feel anxiety, some become introverted, and others put up a defensive wall. It is the job of an instructor to put that person at ease. When they walk into your classroom, they need to feel that it will be a safe and open environment. ...I always begin by being as personable as I can. A joke never hurts - sometimes the cornier the better. But I also make sure that I am honest with them. I let them know that while learning can be fun, it's also work that requires focus and dedication. But the payoff is wonderful. I tell them that I will give them my respect, but that I expect it in return. I make sure that they know from the start that I am there to share the journey with them. That they are not alone. That one of my goals is to have my enthusiasm rub off on them. ...It usually works out pretty well.
Additionally, I feel it's important to have a well structured class from the start. It gives them the secure feeling that I am organized and in control of where I'm leading them. I always have the date, the Objective, and the "Agenda" for the day on the board. This way, the students can mentally pace themselves throughout the class as well as mentally guide themselves in the direction I am taking the lesson. When they feel confident in the instructor, then they will be more willing to follow him/her.
Darrren,
Yes, it does. It forms the foundation upon which respect is earned and rapport developed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jenaro,
Like the way you have laid out the reasons for making a good first impression. Each part of the impression needs to be considered because as you mention at the end of your comments your reputation does proceed you. Students talk and instructors need to strive to keep the students talking to each other about the standards you set for the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A positive first impression sets the precedents for the entire semester. It determines how you and your students interact and can make or brake the learning enviroment.
Of course it is an old adage that first impressions are difficult to change, but the importance can not be stressed enough. On the first day of class, you have to demonstrate a level of competency that is obvious to the students. No student wishes to take a course from an instructor who appears not to have an excellent grasp of the material.
Dressing properly is a must. You must look like a professional in order to be treated as such.
Remember that the students are very observant, and you must keep this in mind. Many times they come with a pre-conceived notion about you as an instructor based on conversations they have had with some of your previous students. It is up to you to either re-affirm that image or prove it false.
Thomas,
So true. We do have a impact on the live of our students and we can never forget that. Our legacy as educators are our students and thus we need to strive to turnout only the very best products we can. Their success will reflect on our dedication to our field and their lives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hi Gary,
I agree. I would like to add that I think a motivation to make that first, and very positive, impression is remembering the important role that we play in the overall education of our group of students. We, as instructors, will most likely be forever associated with the specific information those students learned and their impression, both good or bad, will stay with them as well. When we stop to consider that all eager eyes will be on us and we are expected to confidently lead them to the next level, who would possibly want to come off as less than impressive in any way?
Tiona,
A positive first impression is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built so it is important to have a good first class meeting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The first impression can set the stage for what students expect of the material, instructor and even the quality of the institution.
Arthur,
What are some ways that you create this positive foundation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jarrod,
Good points about how to start off a new course in a positive way. This foundation is what a successful course is built on.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Alana,
What are some things you do to create a positive first impression?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lisa,
Well said because this is how a new class needs to be started. Once a positive first impression has been made then the foundation has been laid for a successful course to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Carole,
Good cautions about the first impression. It is critical that we make a positive first impression so we can build on that impression from the first class meeting forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
