Making a Positive First Impression
Why is a positive first impression important when starting a new class?
Amy,
This first impression is the foundation upon which the rest of the course builds so it is important that it is a good one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Now that I have grown as an instructor, have gained experience, and learned both from students and faculty members, I strive for a positive first impression when starting a new class not for my sake but for my students' sake. I find that students tend to be happier and more motivated when the first day generates a positive outcome all the way around.
A positive and encouraging first impression makes it a less stress environment for learning. Also if students see you love what you do they will hopefully have a more enjoyable class.
James,
Good point and one we need to remember as we prepare our first class meeting instructional opening. We need to show them the value of what is going to be covered and how it will impact their career preparation. It is then a building process for the rest of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The first impression sets the tone for the rest of the course. depending on how your students view the first day can make or break thier participation and achievement and continued success of the couse. It is so important in the start of the a new class.
Billy,
Simple and yet highly effective.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You need to be a leader to the students, and what better way then to lead by example
First impressions are everything. It defines the basis for the rest of the class, changes the moods of the students and their overall expectations.
Gary,
Well put. This is how you maintain an orderly learning environment and impart the needed information about the desired behavior that is is expected. This helps the students to stay focused on the content while developing their soft skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Greeting the students at the door and informing them of their non compliant issues before they get it and sit down. Since they are not anchored it is easier to get the positive change verses forcing the issue when they feel established. You must walk the talk as well. Your apperance and the classroom appearance must look like it is ready to start.
First impressions are important in every aspect of life; it can take a lot of time and effort to recover from a bad first impression. This is time and effort that will ultimately be subtracting from the rest of your class and your goals. In order to successfully move a class forward and win their respect, you need to present yourself as someone who is worthy of their time and attention.
Kevin,
The first impression is the foundation upon which the course is built so it needs to be a good one. Your comments reflect how you see the first class meeting unfolding in order to make the all important positive first impression.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Very important to make a positive first impression. Your students are looking at you to set the tone for the class. If your late or unprepared on that first day,its just going to send the message that its ok to be unprepared. I believe first impression is key.
Lauren,
You make a number of very good points about how an instructor needs to create a positive and supportive first impression in the class. It is from this impression engagement is created and student growth is made.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Patricia,
What a wonderful compliment. You are forming a foundation of trust and respect with your students from day one and building from there. This is how a successful course is started.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A positive first impression sets the tone for the duration of the course. Many students will size you up during the first class meeting, if not immediately. The impression is of the instructor AND the course. It's important to be clear about what the course will entail and the expectations without overwhelming any of the students. A student that comes away from Day 1 feeling that there is no way they can succeed or learn and retain enough is at a serious disadvantage.
The first impression really sets the tone for the whole class. I often hear from my students that they knew they would enjoy learning in my class because of how I presented my first meeting with them.
Gary,
These are tough situations to step into as instructors. Sounds like you have the confidence and leadership ability to see how to manage this situation and that you are winning your students over in this course. I wish you the best.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am recently taking over for a different instructor mid-semester. It can be very concerning to come into a classroom where they know each other, they know the classroom and I am the stranger. I have to make a strong positive first impression or else all of their concerns and doubts of me coming into their world of education will overshadow everything else I do for the rest of the semester.
