First Day Jitters
For the first day of class I try and dress professionally, but I don't like to look too intimidating. Most students are nervous enough during the first day of class, they don't need to see a big scary instructor in front of them too.
During the first day of class I share something about myself and then ask each student to share something too. I usually do an icebreaker before diving into the workings of the course. This helps to introduce students to each other and see who they can relate to.
Hi Vanessa,
I wish you the best as you start your teaching career. I know you are going to enjoy helping students to achieve their career goals. Always be on the lookout for new and innovative things you can do with your teaching and you will expand your instructional expertise in no time.
Gary
This information is helpful for new instructors like myself. I will start my first clinical class in 3 weeks.
Hi Juanita,
Way to go in setting the stage for professionalism. Your dress and enthusiasm blend together to show your students what the standards of the field are.
Gary
Hi Meredith,
This is what modeling is all about and as you commented it worked for both your students and yourself. You have shown them the professional standard of dress for their field and you felt comfortable doing it.
Gary
I dress according to the standards of my profession. Typically, I like to wear a pattern or color of hospital scrubs that is somewhat upbeat. When I am complimented on my outfit I tell them the story of my first day at the hospital I worked for. I let my coworkers know that the hospital is not a sad place and I was there to make people happy.
When you are prepared and organized I find a warm personality and sense of humor creates an atmosphere that what they are about to learn is exciting and an adventure. They will be successful because they are given boundaries and assistance in obtaining their goals. Everyone is one the same page and have the same desires. To be successful the teacher must believe that they will be.
After teaching my very first massage therapy class in business casual attire, I decided to teach the rest of the classes in my scrubs, just as the students need to be dressed. I think that made the students feel more comfortable with me as the instructor and a professional in the field. And I didn't feel like an outcast either, if they are required to wear them I should too.
Hi Tricia,
This is a very good point about how to set the stage for the first class meeting. You want to show yourself as a competent professional, yet an instructor that cares about students and will help them be successful. These attributes will help the students to see themselves within the course and how they can achieve success if they put forth the effort.
Gary
I agree. Sometimes it's easy to assume that students are already comfortable and familiar with each other. Providing a way for students to share something about themselves not only with you as the instructor but also with other classmates tends to ease tension in the classroom. Presentations also work well by giving students an opportunity to share something about themselves and what they know.
