A first impression can have an effect on instructor credibility. It is unreasonable to ask students to follow school policies such as following dress code and being on time if the instructor is not an example. Most important on the first day of class when all the policies are being stated, the instructor must make sure to follow policy.
Hi Kathy,
This is a critical point. A smile sets the tone for the class and the students. They see you as a person that is pleasant and welcoming. This goes a long way in helping students to feel comfortable in a new class.
Gary
Hi George,
Well said. Students need to see instructors as being human. This is what rapport is all about as an instructor. Good advice for new instructors, thanks for sharing.
Gary
I agree that your first impression, as to your approachableness, is very important to establish. The smile is always important but also showing the respect of the student that you expect in return, should start on day one.
A first impression is very important because students to know that we know our subject knowledge, also the students should know we are approachable, the students should know we are available, always put a smile on our faces as well as be stern at the same time.
When an interviewer interviews applicants for a new job, upon first sight of the interviewee, the interviewer takes about 15-20 seconds to size up the applicant. This innate human tendency to size up another person so quickly is known as the primacy effect. Within that amount of time, the interviewer has a general feeling of whether or not the appliant tends to "fit" into that particular work environment.
So it is with students on the first day of class. They also tend to size up their professors within a short amount of time so the first impression is key to establishing the tone for the entire course. The first impression can be the determiner for the students to decide, "Do I fit into the environment? Do I stay? Do I go?"
Being prepared for the class, being enthusiatic about the course, being professional in academics, communication, appearance and behavior, and being focused on the important impact that educators have on their students will help the instructor create a positive first impression. Students will stay in class, will meet their educational goals, and before they know it, they will be interviewing for the career position for which they have been striving. First impressions are lasting impressions for both students and instructors.
Making as positive first impression is really just setting the tone of the class. Professors should give an overview of the class, be enthusiastic, and motivate your students by showing how your class is important to their overall career goal. Students should know by the end of class that they have the ability to succeed and have a sense of comfort.
You are a role model for your students!
With a positive first impression it allows your students to relate to you as a human. A lot of times instructors get too caught up in the paper works and their notes. Place those notes aside and express yourself, and don't be scared to show a little personality. Students will respect you more... trust me.
A positive first impression helps you build confidence as well as portray confidence. IF the student feels that you are not confident, you may lose their attention.
it well set the tone for the rest of the term. It will motivate the students to not only attend the class but to participate and hopefully maximize the learning environment.
by making a positive first impression you gain the respect of the students by letting them see you have quility and integrity as an instructor
If I fail to make a good impression , or in effect, make a bad impression on the first day, then the duration of the course will have that shadow no matter how good or well I present the rest of the material..The same is true of expectations...Failing to clearly pointing out what you expect on the first day can lead to endless discussions of " I didnt know that", or thoughts of the like..Excitement and first day jiters can leaed to some rough first day impressions..
No one wants to be in a class that feels dreadful- I feel that it is key (especially in my industry) to bring a positive attitude to class. On the first day, nerves are running high, and a hopeful, supportive instructor can help to calm that. Also, when an instructor is positive and excited about the material, it engages the students and encourages them to become enrolled in the information.
It sets the tone for the class, establishes your credibility, and you only have one chance to do it well.
I think a positive first impression is important because we only have one chance to do it, and we need to set the tone for the semester. A positive attitude from us models to the students taht we are happy in this environment, and they think they will be, too. I feel that a positive attitude helps put the students at ease and makes them feel welcome. Also, they will want to come back to class if we have a positive attitude.
Students enjoy a classroom that is well managed; they do not like things done in a fly by night fashion; I start out strong and confident to ensure the students get that initial impression; a favorable initial feelings can serve me and the rest of the class well especially if we have an off day or off moment.
Hi Kathy,
Well put. Each student want to know "will I fit" into this class, meaning how well am I going to be able to be successful in this course. By setting a positive tone many of their fears will be reduced and they can concentrate on getting settled into the course.
Gary
In class as well as in life, we are only given one attempt at a first impression. I do believe that over time it can be altered but never totally changed. Each student is looking for some clue from the instructor indicating how their time together will go. To be organized, direct and clear in that first meeting sets a tone that will make that student-instructor relationship a success.
Creating a positive first impression is, of course, something you can never get back. Arrive on time... in an orderly fashion, follow your plan and your students will now see that you have set the tone for the rest of the quarter.
