Making a Positive First Impression
Why is a positive first impression important when starting a new class?
first impressions are a lifetime. If I do not set a good first impression then this will be the view that my students have of me for a lifetime.
Lisa,
Yes, it is. It sets the stage for the upcoming class and how the students see themselves fitting into the class. This forms the foundation for the development of respect for both the instructor and the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
David,
Right you are. At this level being in school is a serious matter that takes a lot of time and costs a lot of money. The students need to know that their instructor is serious about their education and they need to be as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A positive first impression is HUGE when starting a new course. When I start new students off in a new program I want them to feel empowered and energized. I wsnt them to face this new adventure with enthusiasm and excitment. If I come in to the class and I am dry, boring, judgemental, offensive then why would they return? Starting the class with a positive first impression gives the student something to look forward to and be excited about.
Making a positive impression from the very start shows the class that you are serious about what you are teaching. By doing this, the students then know that they are not wasting their time or money in the class.
Christinia,
Your last sentence puts it all together. You are right on with your comments. Positive builds on positive and enthusiasm is catching. This sets the stage for learning success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The first impression provides students with a feel of how their instructor may be during the entire course. Being positive and maintaining an positive attitude helps the student maintain an positive attitude as well. If you set an positive environment, positives outcomes will happen.
Toni,
Yes, it is because being positive will result in a classroom environment that is supportive of students and their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Russell,
Yes, you do. You model it and reinforce it as you go through the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
AS WITH ALL IMPRESSION THE FIRST ONE IS THE ONE THAT STAYS WITH THE PERSON. PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHNG AS WELL, I LEARNED THIS THE HARD WAY. AND EVEN THOUGH YOU MIGHT NOT THINK YOU COME OFF IN A UNPROFESSIONAL WAY; PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING. GO OVER-THE-TOP WITH YOUR POSITIVE EXPRESSIONS. IT IS WORTH IT.
You clearly demonstrate that you support the culture of the school in terms of professionalism, attention to detail, and thorough preparation.
Mary,
Very good point about respect. It needs to be two way and understood by both entities. This way respect can be a building block for more learning engagement to occur.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is so imperative that respect be established the classroom on both ends (teacher and student). Having a good first impression can help establish that. The student will understand that the teacher respects the students time and is dedicated to teaching him/her and in turn the students will respect the teacher and be more responsive to material.
It is important to have a good first impression because it sets the tone for the class. It is actually valid for the class to instructor but also instructor to class! Humans process and store information in the brain, usually, processed as good vs bad, true vs false, valid or invalid. It is important to communicate that you are prepared, passionate, available for your students. We set the tone for the time the students are in our class by our first impression!
Because the first impression is the "imprint" or foundation of the class. It is very difficult to get a second chance with a first impression.
Because it sets the tone for how the students will see you, respect you, and follow your lead and instructions
Stephanie,
A positive first impression can be made with students through activities that you introduce during the first class. Do an ice breaker or two that gets students talking and interacting with each other and you. Share a laugh with them and discuss how they can be successful in the course. This is of course in addition to being prepared, appropriately dressed, on time and professional in your introduction of yourself and your students. It is amazing that with a few activities at the beginning of a new class you can get the student focused on the class and excited about coming back the next time.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Stephanie,
Right you are. It is so much easier to build on a positive first day rather than try to dig out of a negative hole.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It sets the standard and expectation for the rest of the course. Important to start strong for an even stronger finish.
