The method,manners, clothes and speech really matters
The first class and how you present yourself really matters. Your complete package of your self will be remembered for a long time. You need to make sure everything is ready and completed to present your self to your class.
Hi Elsie,
Well said about professionalism. This is a must for all of us. We have to remember that whether we be in a class or clinical setting.
Gary
I teach in a fast paced program and I know the rigor needed for student to move on to the next term. Mastery of the subject matter being taught is so important because the instructor needs to be able to "dissect" the subject matter without compromising the objectives.
Personal appearance is a must. It is unfortunate that I see some colleagues wearing scrubs while teaching a course. Scrubs in my opinion are not the proper attire when standing infront of students in a class and delivering a lecture. Scrubs are mean to be worn in a clinical setting. Though we all want to be comfortable , we have to remember comfort does not mean "lousy". We are role models and that means proper attire at all times.
I concur with your statement, first impressions are always extremely important. Your students meeting you for the first time will be a lasting memory for them, make it count.
Hi Denise,
This is a good example of what it takes to be a true professional. By being flexible and willing to adapt you are showing your students how a professional should respond to such situations. This shows them another side of what being an instructor is all about--the human side.
Gary
The complete package is important and something students remember. However, stuff happens and students learn well from us as we sometimes face adversity. As instructors we can plan, and have our forms and speeches, lectures and so on all planned, but when the syllabus is overloaded with 7 lectures for one 2.5 hour first day of class... We all know what happens. I think what is best for the students. They are responsible for all the material, so I arrange for additional time to present some of the lecture material. Students are not required but are given the opportunity to glean the information. From this ability to adapt to the situation, students learn that instructors are human and do want them to succeed.
For those of us who teach only in online courses, the issue of appearance, clothes, etc, is not really a factor, but the manner in which you conduct the first discussion, live chat, seminar, or whatever the first encounter with students might be does still have importance. I would be interested to know if anyone has thoughts about effective approaches they have developed for their first online "meeting" with their students.
John Ragan
