A positive first impression sets the standard for the remainder of the course. How you present yourself, your introduction, and your experience. You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
It is vital to the student teacher relationship o present yourself in a positve manner, starting from the very first moment in the classroom.
A POSITIVE FIRST IMPRESSION WHEN STARTING A NEW CLASS CAN ESTABLISH THE EXPECTATIONS AND PROFESSIONALISM REQUIRED FOR THE COURSE. THIS PROFESSIONALISM WILL MAKE THE CREDIBILITY OF YOUR DELIVERY MUCH HIGHER.
Kymberlea,
What seems like little things are really big things to students as you know. Your approach helps them to get settled into the course and feeling valued. From there you are going to earn their respect and develop rapport with them as they move deeper into the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it's important because you are setting the tone for the entire class. I like to make sure that as I'm taking roll for the 1st time, I look directly @ each student & smile & welcome them to my class. I also make a point to know each student's name by the end of the 1st week @ the latest.
A positive or negative first impression unconsciously sets the tone and standard for the remainder of the learning period with your class.
If you appear and speak unprofessionally, students will take that as a cue on how you expect them to perform in the class and their professional careers.
Also by being authentically interested in your students, you can create a place of trust and respect within the classroom or lab.
It is important to make a positive first impression because it sets the tone for the course. As a math instructor, many of my adult learners fear the content. However, if I can show them that I am a fair and equitable instructor who cares about their academic success, the value of the instructor can outweigh the fear of the content.
TIMOTHY,
This is a very good point that needs to be considered in relation to first impressions. As instructors we don't know what attitudes students are bringing into the class so we need to make sure we have a good opening for the first class planned so the students will see how professional we are and that we are there to help them move closer to achieving their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gwendolyn,
Well said and so true. The first impression is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
With adult learners if you do not establish a positive first impression you will likely not get a chance to establish one again.
With the financial environment being in the state its in, more and more people are turning to career colleges for training, people who may have already been experienced in some other field, who may have a lot of life experience, and they may have a negative impression of career colleges based on what theyve seen in news reports. So they may have their gaurd up and their radar up, waiting to see if theyare going to get what they are paying for. So fair or not, often times instructors are looked at with skepticism right from the very first class. So making a good first impression can help to change their perception of what they can expect to recieve for their money.
A good first impression is a vital part in gaining respect from your students. If you show up on the first day before class, have everything ready for the students, greet each student as they come in you are showing students that you are ready to teach, there for them when they get there, and are excited and know the subject manner. If you show up after they are there, unorganized, and take time out of class to get ready it gives the students the impression that you are ill prepared and the first impression has most likely been a poor or negative one.
It sets the tone for the entire quarter! What is that saying "You never get a second chance to make a first impression". That is so very true. I try to make my students feel at ease and let them know what I expect and that I am here for them!
Rebecca,
First impressions are the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built so they need to be good ones so everyone starts off feeling positive about the upcoming course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First impression introduce the instructor and getting to know the student. Letting the students know my experiences in the field
TANYA,
Yes it does in a number of different ways just as you have indicated. The first impression is not only how you are perceived by your students also as they will be perceived when they first interact with a patient. They need to make an effort to develop an approach that will help set at ease all those with whom they come in contact.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe it sets the groundwork for the class and what is expected of them. Be on time, be understanding, be firm but fair. Let them also know they can come to you when they need to. Depending on what class you teach you can alter you first impression to adjust to the career field. Examples might be if you work in pediatric setting use humor in your first meeting with the student.
It's not too different from meeting a person for the first time. They will judge that first experience and it will "color" the lense through which they see you. If you are say tardy, unprofessional or unengaging this sets up the students expectations for future classes thus creating an uphill battle for you the instructor. They may model that behavior as well creating more problems for you.
David,
Trust, respect and rapport are all development components needed to establish a connection with students. Your comments are right on as the process starts when each student steps into the classroom and begins the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is very important to make a positive impression to a new class. I remember my first day teaching. I am young and look like a student, but I had to show them that I have experience in my field and a lot of knowledge to share with them. I realized that it made them feel like they can accomplish their goals, just like I have and it doesn't take vary long.
