I created a positive image by modeling what I expect of my students. I arrive on time, ready to work when they enter the class. All materials are at hand and there is minimal downtime, other than breaks.
Students seem to respect the "practice what you preach" adage.
Hello Christina,
You're right! Just because we are educators it does not mean we know it all. We can learn from our students.
Patricia
Hi Jennifer,
Nicely stated. I like how you included yourself.
Patricia
Hi Aaron,
An instructor should always display a positive image because we are constantly being watched.
Patricia
Agreed, being up front and honest fight away goes along way tword your image to the class. Alot of times I hear from students about negative first impressions set in other classes by both other students and staff. This does not help in the classroom.
In my opinion the first day of class sets the mood for the entire length of the course. As an instructor is it my duty to be upbeat with the students. I should let them know all expectations from my side as well as knowing what their expectations are of me, the instructor. Letting the students know my knowledge of what i'm instructing is so important, because if they know you are familiar with what you're teaching they will have a more outlook for learning.
Over the years I have found that being myself and honest are the two ways to create a positive image. I enjoy humor and bring it into the classroom. I am also very honest and when I am unable to answer a question, I will get the whole class involved. Maybe challenge them to teach me the concept. It works.
I like Lauren's reply, especially about the first-day impression. We might treat that class meeting rather like a job interview. We've sent the welcome letter and posted the syllabus (query letter and resume to an employer). We've chosen our interview/first-day costume with care and have all our handouts and lesson accoutrements (portfolio samples, client lists, etc.) prepared. Now it's time to demonstrate to the class how well we fill their (our new employers') needs.
Hello Lauren,
As the old adage goes, "A first impression is a lasting impression."
Patricia
You can create a positive instructor image on the first day of class - even before classes start in some cases. I'm in an online environment - students have access to courses early, so the way the syllabus is set up is important. Organized and without typos or grammatical errors certainly helps make a good first impression. More importantly though, we have student rosters and emails - sending out an introductory email, personalized to each student, welcoming them to class and letting them know a little about you, creates that positive image virtually. Taking a little time up front, can pay tremendous dividends through out the course.
