Hi Nancy,
Right you are and it is so much easier to move forward with a positive impression than trying to dig out of the hole with a negative one.
Gary
Hi Michael,
Good point. A smile, a laugh and a relaxed but professional atmosphere sets the tone for a class that will be student centered and rewarding for the learners.
Gary
You only get one chance to make a first impression and that impression is lasting. If students perceive you as a professional who is interested in their success they will trust and respect you.
I do believe that humor can play an important role to helping students feel comfortable. Balancing my expectations for performance with a tone that says that I am ready and willing to help anyone who is willing to make the effort goes a long way towards eliminating those "pre-impressions" left by former students.
Hi Craig,
Exactly right. You are bringing your best professional effort to the class and in turn expect your students to do the same.
Gary
It shows students that you are knowlegable and serious about the course at hand.
Hi Carla,
I agree with these comments. Your personality is a connecting point between your students and the success of the class.
Gary
Hi John,
Good point. There are so many different aspects of a positive first impression and they all revolve around being professional at all times.
Gary
Hi Patricia,
Well said. It is the little things that go a long way to help engage the students, such a warm greeting.
Gary
Hi Mohammed,
Good idea. If the students are presented with the image of a professional educator ready to help them learn it sets the stage for positive interaction and growth on the part of the students.
Gary
Starting a new class is no different than going on a first date! If you want a successful relationship with the class, they have to not be turned off immediately. It is important to present yourself physically well, present the class well and above all present yourself as a master in your field. It is also important that you relate to the students. It is human nature to want to impress someone you like. If they don't like you, they will try less hard. I want them to care about how they do. And so my first impression is always as good as it can be!
I think it relaxes the students. I use a great deal of humor in teaching my paralegals. The law is stiff to begin with and it get rid of some of their apprehension.
First impression is important because from that moment will begin the teacher student relationship which is essential to maintain respect and a good enviroment in the classroom
I also from the very start let the students know that I am a firm instructor but a fair instructor that is willing to work with them and that my office is always open to them if they need my help on the courses that I am teaching.
Working in a career college I have students coming out of high school and other students that have been in the work force maybe changing careers or going back into the the work force again. Whatever their reason for continuing their education, I as an instructor want the students to know from day one what I expect from them and what they should expect and receive from me. So on the first day I way to be prepared to start the class off on the right foot by being prepared to teach,also having a willing personality to work with all types of students young or old.
It sets the tone for the rest of the class. It is easier to become more relaxed as the classes progresses as opposed to becoming more "strict" as time passes. Each person has expectations, i.e. to enjoy the class, to learn the material and you want to meet them.
A postive first impression sets the tone of the class.
Students will follow the tone the instructor sets on the first day of class, and will pick up on the attitude, professionalism, and enthusiasm of the instructor. If the instructor carefully addresses expectations, what the course will cover, and how students can set themselves on the road to success, everyone will feel good moving forward.
-Chris
It is important that the students are able to understand you and your personality and that you make a positive impression on them so that it helps keep them in the class.
A positive first impression is extremely important as to how much the students will respect, admire, and ultimately want to emulate their teachers. The list of valid reasons goes on and on...
