A positive first impression will ease the students by allowing them to see that the class is organized, professional and in control. It allows the students to be at ease knowing that the instructor is well prepared
A positive first impression sets the tone of the class. When the student walks into the class and sees the instructor's information on the board, is greeted by a seemingly confident instructor and is in an evironment that puts them at ease I think this sets the tone for a positive first impression. As we have discussed in previous sections in order to accomplish all of the above there has to be prepreperation in order to accomplish the task of making a positive first impression.
There were several times when I did not have the time to prepare for a class because I had to take the class because of an emergency with the scheduled instructor. At these times it is very stressful because I was not able to prepare the way I normally prepare for a class. For instance having the syllabus the way I like it with my information in place. But through it all it is still posible to make a positive impression if you know the subject matter and have confidence in your ability.
It is very important that you make a positive first impression. Students need to follow rules and regulations. If they are not set on the first day, they tend to take advantage of you and may often take your kindness for weakness. In every class there is a student that will push those limits. You can be strict and have fun at the same time. I always tell my students that I am firm, but I'm fair. I let students know on the first day that they should feel free to ask questions. I will answer them to the best of my ability and if I am not sure of an answer I will research it and get back with them. This lets them know that I am human and I don't know everything.
Attitude makes all the difference! We want to be positive so our students will want to learn. This will help with attendance if the instructor is upbeat and not negative. Letting the students know that you are there to help them goes a long way! It's a confidence booster too. By being positive, the students would be more likely to engage in classroom discussion when invited by the instructor.
When teaching a class for the first time, of course the first impression will set the tone for the instructors entire class. I used to use little tricks like having the students turn to a page in their text and without looking in the book quoting something off that page as though I knew the book by memory, they would be so impressed that I would gain their attention for the rest of the class.
Hi Dr. Rodenbaugh,
Good point and one we all know very well but in the haste to get a course started forget to practice it. Thanks for reminding us all of the importance of setting the stage in a positive way.
Gary
I think that a positive first impression is important because it can be difficult to turn negative impressions into positive ones. Keeping the positive feelings positive is much easier.
As a Instructor is very important to get a positive impression, starting on first day, because they would be feeling motivated to learn the new knowledge
If one makes a positive first impression at the beginning, it takes less energy than recovering a bad first impression throughout the course.
I feel its very important that your students perceive you as "approachable" and that they communicate with you. Humor is a great tool for this!
A positive first impression is the best way to get the students all working towards the same goal. If they know that I am on their side and available to be talked with, it will only help them to work towards their career goals.
Hi Susan,
So simple and so quick. This is why the first impression needs to be a positive one. It is so much easier to build on a positive impression than dig out of a hole of a negative one.
Gary
It sets the frame work for the whole class.
Hello Dr. Meers,
Just like any other environment, you want others to be happy you're there! Instructors must be welcoming and happy to converse with students. Our classrooms must be friendly places that allow our students to feeling communicate what is on their minds and ask questions.
The first impression can be instrumental in creating such a positive environment. As illustrated in the course material, smiling at students, asking their names (for correct pronunciation), showing up early, etc. etc. --- these all set a "good" tone with the students that the instructor is there for them and is dedicated to their success!!
cheers, mj
A positive first impression gives the students a feeling of confidence. In other words, they feel that they have made the right choice. It is a part of human nature to "judge a book by it's cover," so thae first impression says"what you see, is what you get."
It takes just a few seconds for a person to develop a "first impression" of someone and if it is a negative first impression it can take a very long time to get it going in the positive direction.
It is also important that when you are trying to make a positive impression that you are not just telling the students what they want to hear, but that you are staying true to original statements, policies, and procedures.
Hi Loretta,
Adult students need support and encouragement as they work toward their career goals. Early success and rapport goes a long way in helping them see that they can achieve their career vision.
Gary
It is so important, to make it positive, because it sets the tone to a great start. A positive feeling will always be very inviting an encouraging to a student.
I also work at a career college. You are absolutely correct - in some way, we need to get through to each student, that no matter what their age, we are as eager for them to learn as they are.
Loretta
Hi Elise,
What a great way to start a class off. You are helping the students get settled into the course while sharing your human side so they can see you as a professional that loves her field and is looking forward to sharing it with them.
Gary
