First day in class
You only get to make a first impression once. Your relationship with your students develops very quickly and a poor first impression can lead to a student becoming de-motivated. It is the responsibility of the teacher to make sure that he/she is prepared right from the first moment.
A great example, David, of "leading by example" which is a primary component to all of our roles as an adult educator.
Jay Hollowell
MaxKnowledge Facilitator
I feel that attitude is everything, so to speak. If the students see that you have a poitive attitude and personality it creates an incredible first impression and will usually bleed over to your students attitudes and behaviors.
A first impression is the most important one of all it will set up your role as an Instructor and a role model and set the tone for the entire class. A poor first impression can ruin the entie remainder of the class.
I agree with the importance of having a good first impression. Also that if you are not prepared you will not be able to give a first impression. It is important to take "Ownership" of your course and to be prepared for everything, even the unexpected. If a problem arises on the first day, like projector failure or labstation failure, you need an imediate solution to show the students that you "Own" this course and class and will keep it running along.
Exactly. If you show up to class one minute before the bell rings with a pile of paperwork that you have to sort out before you can even get started that leaves a lasting impression on the students. It gives them the idea that it is okay to do the same, and takes away from your credibility as an instructor.
