I recently had to return to college, so I know how anxious a student can be on the first day. I try to be calm and assuring. I impart to the student that if they can approach to course by doing a certain amount of work each day, that they can comfortably complete and succeed at their course work and achieve success in the class.
Julius,
Good advice for all instructors to consider as they plan their first class meeting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The first impression should always be positive because this is how your students will see you for the remainder of the course. So you should look, act, and conduct class in a professional manner.
Sherry,
This is the right and proper thing to do because as a role model for your students you are wearing what they will be expected to wear when they are in the field. They see you as a professional in dress, conduct and language so they know how to emulate you and thus be ready to enter their field if they have acquired the needed knowledge and competencies.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sherry,
Right you are. The first impression is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built so it needs to be a possible and engaging one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always come from working out in the field to teach class so I am in working attire. I feel that this is appropriate because I wear appropriate attire to work and also gives the student an idea of what working attire is....not club clothes.
I think a first impression is important because if establishes the feel for the class. It gives the students a clear idea of what to expect from you, lets them know what kind of person you are, established the level of professionalism required in the class.
Lisa,
Like your approach. You are taking your responsibility seriously and you are sending a very clear message to your students that you are going to help them be successful if they are willing to put forth the required effort. This is a win win situation if the students dedicate themselves to success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Michael,
Have you found a method you really like for helping students become part of the introduction process?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I start a new class one of my main goals is to let them know I take my job seriously. It helps create an instant professional atmosphere and a sense of classroom pride. The students seem to sit a little taller in their chairs and focus a bit more as soon as they feel I care about their success.
Telling the students about you academic and professional experence and having each student introduce themselves.
I believe that I have a great sense of someone when I first meet them if they are a trustworthy person.
A positive first impression helps put students at ease about the course. The students will find the instructor approachable for questions and concerns.
Jean,
You make a very good point about how some students need some extra support if they are going to become a part of the class and grow while taking the course. As you mentioned you have seen them make this all important step once you have given them some attention and help them build their confidence. This is what being a learning leader should entail.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Making a positive impression is how you can start off on the right foot. I try to balance giving out information and waylaying the student's fears. Our program is a very aggressive one and I know the amount of information that we are conveying to the student seems insurmountable, but I see my job is to be part teacher, part cheerleader, part mentor, and part leader. I don't always succeed in winning the students over, but I keep trying to get better every day. First impressions can make a class or make a class more of a challenge. I am not saying they are a lost cause, but sometimes you have a student that you will need to come along side of a little more often to get them to believe in themselves.
KENNETH,
This is a fun way to start off a class and get everyone settled into the course and looking forward to the upcoming sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Making a positive first impression will provide students with insights into what is clearly expected. Students want to learn from an instructor who is enthusiastic, motivated, knowledgeable, and stimulating and these are positive attributes that need to be expressed by the instructor. Otherwise, the students may become demotivated, disinterested, and may have a low level of participation.
first impressions are key, if the student does not like you on the first day that will play into their grade. Make sure you are on par and ready for all students and make that positive impression
I try to make my first impression be friendly and laid back some times making humourous jabs about getting old just to lighten the mood.
JOHN,
This is such a great way to start a class off. I have over 300 students each new session so I have to work hard to personalize my interaction with them while keeping the class moving forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
