First day impressions
I am a new teacher and relatively young when compared to the rest of staff/faculty. In fact, I am closer to the students' ages than I am to my colleagues' ages. How can I project a presence for respect and acceptability so that students will feel confident in the content that will be presented throughout the class on the first day?
Hi Michael,
I had same problem when I first started teaching as well. I still get the "look" from the students on the first day of class (Many of my students are old enough to be my parents). If its brand new group of students, I usually tell them about my background, experiences and education, which assures them that I am qualified as an instructor. Plus, make sure you are professional, prepared for the class. As the class progresses, they won't care about your age, but they'll learn to respect you for your knowledge and professionalism. Also, you can use your age to your advantage, since many younger students may find it easier to relate to you. Good luck~
The saying, you don't get a second chance to make a first impression, rings true for me as an instructor. Managing their impression of me is important, i.e., how I want to come across to the students. I strive to present myself as a supportive, understanding, and encouraging instructor, or the so-called soft values. However, I also want to impress upon the students that I have no qualm setting limits and sticking to requirements of the course syllabus, i.e., the so-called hard values.
The first impressions on the students would be very important, because a young teacher must try to build up the confidence in class. First of all, a young teacher must be well prepared before class and worket out an impressive syallbus for the course he or she teaches. In addition, a new teacher must be self- confident, as the saying goes self-confidence is the secret of your success.
Here's something NOT to do.
When I was a teaching assistant while working on my Masters Degree in English, one of the Full Professors on staff suggested that since we looked as young as our students that we should sit down in one of the student desks before the students came in, and just sit there as if you--like them--were waiting for the instructor to arrive.
And then, about five minutes after class should have begun, you'd get up and start teaching. I guess the idea here was that you were able to gain a good insider's view of who your students were going to be, who were going to be the trouble makers, the first to complain, etc.
Wow! I mean just wow. Even when I was just starting out, I know that would be one of the quickest ways to lose student respect, and that it was a complete betrayal of their trust.
The real solution, Michael, is to be well-prepared. Not only does that show that you are well-organized and professional, but it will also give you an amazing amount of self-confidence. Students will quickly accept your role as an instructor when they see that you aren't "making it up as you go." And, you, apart from your older colleagues, might have a better chance of serving as a role model for these students since they will be able to see that your level of professionalism is not only achievable, but achievable for them within a short period of time if they apply themselves.
Dressing up a step above them doesn't hurt either. ;-)
James has hit the nail on the head! Never, ever be your students' buddy. They will walk all over you. If you are a buddy to one, that one will tell the rest of the class and from then on, you've lost credibility.
Thank you. Your input is very beneficial.
Hi Robert,
Not really what you would ask but how you conduct the class. By sharing the experience that you bring to the class you can establish you as a professional with much experience. Then in the coming class sessions you can show the students how they can become a part of your career area by learning the content while getting "insights" from you on how the career really is.
Gary
I suggest that you dress professionally, not make references to the latest trends, and possibly grow a beard (though the latter is optional). More importantly, you shouldn't be a "buddy" in the classroom.
Would your reply change for a new instructor who has retired from professional life and now is very new to teaching and has a greater age difference with students. Is there any information which I should ask of students the first day to help me more professional.
Hi Chris,
This is a good strategy for two reasons. One is that you know they know what the expectations are for the upcoming course. The second is that the students can see how serious you are about their learning by the syllabus you have developed and the standards you have set. This reflects well on the professionalism that you are demonstrating for them.
Gary
Yes, I agree. The first day must set the tone for the term of the class. I clearly outline the syllabus, class expectations, my expectations, etc. The other important thing that I do is I have them sign a contract...one that clearly states late policies, class involvement expectations, steps to success in the class, etc. They sign it and keep a copy for themselves.
The first day of class establishes the tone and expectations for every day that follows. I take time to introduce myself and give some career highlights, clearly outline classroom policies and procedures, and exemplify the behavior I expect from the class.
Hi Stacy,
Great point that is many times missed by new instructors. You are not a peer of the students nor should you want to be. If you do you should quit teaching and go back to school and become their peer. Point is you have to act, dress and be the instructor that is why you are there. You have captured this perfectly in your comments.
Gary
Hi,
Additionally, the young, new instructor should dress the part of a proffesional. If the students see someone who dresses as they do, in jeans, sneakers, and t-shirt, for example, it may lead the students to think of the new instructor as "one of the gang" instead of the role model they need.
The first day is the most important day, even with the adult learner. We must send the correct message.
Stacy
I would say to include something you know extremely well early on in the course; then get up there and be yourself, and share it with the class. That confidence you have will be picked up by the class and will set a good impression with them. Remember in these classes to put work out there and not to make it all about you and lecturing.
Hi Michael,
By being prepared, organized and professional. By starting the class with an activity that shows your knowledge of the field and that you are going to be a supportive and understanding instructor you will be establishing yourself as the class leader.
Gary
