I like this style as well. The students see that you are a real person and that you care about them. Then they will trust you more and have more of an interest in what you are going to teach about!
Grisel,
Yes, they will so we need to be prepared and ready to "sell" ourselves and our course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Claudia,
So true so that first effort needs to be a very good one.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It sets the pace for the entire course. First impressions are crucial. It is extremely hard to alter a bad first impression.
Within seconds students will form an opinion about based on the instructors appearance, body language, demeanor, mannerisn which may influence their desire or lack of to learn and participate in the classroom.
It is sometimes difficult to make a second best impression when the first impression is very hard to correct.
Making a positive first impression will help you to gain the students' respect and confidence in your ability to teach them. It may also help to reconfirm with them that they have chosen a career path that will be rewarding and respected.
Sharyn,
Right you are. Digging out of a hole is never fun. It is easier to create a positive first impression and build from there.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Your first impression sets the tone for what your students will expect (good or bad) from you as an instructor. It is hard to raise the bar once you have made a poor first impression.
The first impression is what everyone will remember rather than what happens after that. It is critical to be professional and to be prepared so the students can see that and model that same behavior.
The first impression is the credibility factor
So they know that you are comfortable in the subject matter and that you know what you are doing and that you are organized.
Joseph,
Good reminder for us all to remember. We need to set the stage for a great first class because it is so much easier to build from there rather than having to dig out of a negative situation for the coming class sessions.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree also. I always hear from my past students always saying why can't the other instructors be more organized like you on the first day. You were always ready to go with all the handouts and information and ready to go. So the first impression definatley lasts.
Jay,
One thing is to just stop and say "We got off to a poor start and I am sorry for that. What I would like to do is try again. This is how I would like the class to operate. I respect you and in turn I will work to earn your respect over the class." Then be consistent with the changes that are being made and an instructor should be able to dig out of the hole though it is tough.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Faculty who are unable to create a positive first impression risk the ability to foster working relationships with their students. If any signs of doubt come across to the students, the faculty's reputation can be questioned and students might decide to withdraw from the course. If a faculty member has not made a good impression, what kind of damage control can be done?
Jay
It helps to set the tone and expectation for the classroom and school!
I prepare myself days before the class, the first day I try to learn their names, and I talk to them about my experience and how the class is going to be important for the future work in the medical field .
Dr. Enrique,
How do you do this with your classes? Will you share some strategies with us? Thanks.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Tim,
Right you are. How do you make a statement for your classes? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
