First day, first impressioon
The first day is your first opportunity to make a connection. It is important for your students to know enough about you that they feel comfortable with you for that connection to be possible.
On the first day, you have an opportunity to let the students connect with you and see that you are qualified to instruct the class.
Good point Owen,
If you start out loose and free, tightening the class back up once they are out of control is most difficult.It is always a lot easier to loosen up later.
Cheers,
Tom
What do you think happened? Did you not do something that you have always done? Did the confrontation happen within the classroom?
You have to stay in complete control and not let the class go anywhere you don't want it to for the first period of time. After that you can loosen up a bit but always stay on the lookout because most students will jump at the opprotunity to derail the class and take control.
Hi Bob,
Glad you were able to regain control of the classroom and move the students forward in their learning. I have mentioned in a number of previous forums that cohort groups can be a challenge for instructors since the students already know each other and have a history.
We all know someone will be in control of the classroom and it has to be the teacher. Thanks for sharing a good example of what to be on the lookout for when a situation like this occurs.
Gary
The first day will make or break you. I always let the students know in no uncertain terms that I am in charge of the classroom. I had a cohort group in a class several weeks back and on occasion lost control of the class due to these folks not respecting me as the instructor or their fellow students, who were here to learn. The situation wound up in a minor confrontation when I had to take the classroom back. A valuable lesson was learned by all, especially me. Up until that time, I had made the assumption that we were all adults and as such, there should be no classroom disruptions. Not so.
Now, the first impression I attempt to give is one of professionalism-I can be friendly, helpful, and I do have a good sense of humor but I let it be very clearly known that I will maintain the instructor-student relationship and the line won't be crossed.
I agree. Students are very perceptive and after the first meeting have alread established some very distinct opinions of you and your teaching appitude - even if you have yet to actually "teach." It is very much like a job interview. The first impression is a lasting one!
