It is very important to make a positive first impression because it allows you to show your students that you mean business, but also that yopu care and are here to help them be successful.
First impressions can make or break the classroom atmosphere for the rest of the term. Showing up on time and prepared is a good modeling example for the students. If you don't care then they won't. Also, showing students that you care about their learning goes a long way in establishing respect.
You can never be overprepared; try putting youself in your students place what kind of instructor would you want
Starting a new class is when students first starts to develop ideas about how to proceed in class. If students get a positive first impression, they may feel that the class is vaulable and want to do well. If they get a negative first impression, they may just do the minimum to pass the class.
It's the first day of class and the students in front of you are (hopefully) going to be with you for the remainder of the term. You are going to be their guide through the course material. The first impression you make on them will help them to understand how it is that you are going to help guide them through this material and how much they are going to be able to rely on you and how much they are going to have to rely on themselves.
It gives the students an idea of what to expect from the instructor and the from the course. If an unorganized, confused instructor shows up late, students will have a hard time taking the course seriously. A bad first impression is hard to recover from.
First impressions are key! You only get one. This sets the standard and pace for the entire course. Always smile but also very direct with your expectations and answers to any questions the students may have the first class.
Your first impression to the class sets the tone for the duration of that course. if you start off negative as the leader of the class, your students will have a negative experience which will effect their learning experience and possibly causing them to fail the course. Having a positive first impression will give them an example to follow and encourage students to apply themselves throughout the course.
Making a positive first impression is very important. I make every effort to be on time and dressed professionally. I prepare my ice breaker assignments, syllabus and other items prior to class starting. I also use correct English and govern myself as a professional.
helps the students understand what you expect and provides you with the opportunity to establish yourself as an instructor of quality and integrity.
Jacqueline,
Right you are. It is so much easier to build on a positive first impression than have to spend time digging out of a negative hole. No one is happy when that happens.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it sets the tone for the rest of the course. Of course, if it is positive, it should result in a more positive environment. It relates to the idea that you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression.
This illustrates to the students that the instructor is organized and professional - therefore a positive role model.
Ruby,
Good steps to follow the first class meeting. This sets the standard for the course and helps the students to see that they have a professional dedicated instructor that is going to share his/her knowledge and expertise with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is very important to make a positive first impression. It is highly important to dress professional or in uniform, write your name, class number and class name on the board before class. It is also a good idea to introduce yourself to the class and discuss your experience, education. This will establish your expertise.
Michelle,
Right you are about a the need for a positive first impression. It is so much easier to build on a positive first impression than to spend time digging out of a negative hole. With planning and organization the class will get off to a good start.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First impression are important because it sets the tone of how students will perceive you and respect you. If your organized, on time, professional, and approachable. Students will feel more comfortable to ask questions in class and you will be more respected by the students.
James,
Both points are good ones for starting a course. Getting everyone settled into the course and creating a good feeling about what is going to occur in the coming class sessions is important to both student retention and attitude.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A positive first impression can help the student feel welcomed, and feel like they fit in an can relate to the faculty. A positive first impression can help reinforce to the student that they are making a good decision to be in the course.
Veronica,
This is a good way for everyone to get to know each other as well as giving the students time to get settled into the class and familiar with how you are going to conduct the sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
