Rochelle,
Right you are about a positive first impression setting the tone for the upcoming class. Establishing yourself as the learning leader is important as you say in relation to the motivation factor and creating value for the course content to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is important because it helps set the tone for the remainder of the course. If the students feel that they have a knowledeable , caring professor, I think they will be motivated to do well. If they get the impression that the professor is not qualified or has no interest in them, they will get by any way they can but not really gain as much out of the course as they should have.
Evelyn,
As the learning leader you are helping your students to move forward with their learning. Through support and reinforcement you are helping them to acquire the needed knowledge and skills and keep their focus on their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree.I love being positive and encouraging the students.Without stress I beleive they retain the information.
If you don't make a strong first impression there is a serious possibility you will lose the confidence and attention of your students. As a new and young teacher myself I feel I have to make a positive first impression on my students so they feel comfortable taking direction from me and confident they can learn from me.
Susan,
This is a good strategy to follow. It is almost impossible to go the other way so start firm and then loosen up as needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
For sure. I also start out a little more firm than I am really comfortable with. I find it is always easier to ease off a little bit than it is to try to tighten up later.
I also think this is an excellent idea. When I'm moving around, the students are more involved in class discussions than if I'm just behind a podium.
Rachel,
Like your approach to starting a new class especially for older students coming back to school. They do need a boost in self confidence and your speech is sure to help them understand that their life experiences and the fact they have enrolled in school says a lot about their potential for success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Most adult students are nervous, coming back to school is a big change and a big deal for them. They are worried that they might not be able to be successful, and if you show the students that you are approachable and that you have standards that they can meet, they will be less nervous.
I tell everyone of my students on day one that if they are sitting in the chair then they can be successful. It might take some hard work and juggling, but they have it in them to succeed. I have had a lot of my students tell me that just hearing this put them at ease.
Daniel,
This first class meeting is critical for the reason you state. Yes, they are sizing up the instructor and wondering what it will take to be successful in the class. This is why it is so important for the first class meeting to be a positive and engaging session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The students are sizing up the instructor so a positive first impression lets the student know that you are a professional acting professionally and are serious about their education.
Kim,
A good impression is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built. We need to do everything we can to make the first class session one the students will enjoy and gain insight on how the course will meet their needs.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Setting the tone is making a good/great first impression and a lasting one as well.
Ricky,
Right you are and this is why it is so important to plan an opening first session of a class that will get the students excited about the course to come. The first class meeting is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If a positive first impression is not given from the start, it cannot be changed. It will hopfully gain respect and admiration of the student body. With this set, it will be easier for the students to trust and open up, then the learning becomes alot easier.
I agree, due to the fact that alot of our students are older they're never sure what to expect.
I agree we should set the example to do as I do not do as I say.
It's true uoy only get one time to make first impression and since we want to be a role model we want them to be impressed with that first meeting
Yes, if we just sit or stand and read from our papers or powerpoint, students do get tuned out pretty quickly. If we keep them engaged throughout the lecture by moving around or having demonstrations integrated into your lecture, it definitely helps keep their focus up.
