Begin with a passion and excitment for the course you are teaching. I like to share my past experiences...the good and the bad. In an effort to make the students feel more at ease I like to remind them that I was a student once and remember all to well the work involved.
A positive first impression will lead to a greater respect for and trust in you as a teacher.
Hi Michelle,
You set the tone at the very first class meeting by explaining why you have the expectations you do. You give examples of how you will help the students move toward achieving their career goals that reflect the standards of their field. Do some ice breakers after you have gone through the syllabus and course expectations. Share some laughter with the students and get them comfortable and settled into the course. This will help them to see you as a human being rather than this horrible person they have heard about. Keep in mind though you have to be true to yourself and not let the students intimidate you.
Gary
Hi Shannan,
So true. It is a positive building point. A negative image forces the instructor to spend the class trying to dig out of a bad situation that didn't need to be created at all.
Gary
Greeting student with a friendly hello, glad you are here today, goes a long way in keeping negative attitudes from dominating classrooms. Looking the part, acting the part gives them confidence you will give them what they need to be successful.
A positive first impression will set a valubla picture of the instructor into the mind of the students
It is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the term. It lets students know whether they can trust that you will help them succeed and that you know what you're talking about. It also gived them a chance to ask questions and give their own expectations for the term.
What if students listen to prior students who do not like you because "they heard you are a hard teacher" simply because you have those expectations for them to become professional,follow instuctions,follow class and lab rules. How do you get through this one?
You are the face of the campus! Am I looking at each student as they are important. I should look at each student and ask myself how can I make a difference in their life.
It sets the tone for the future classes: positively or negatively. It helps to reinforce students' expectations about their future learning experience. Also it connotes professionalism.
Hi Linda,
Right you are. If you aren't perceived as being in charge it is going to be a very long tough class to teach since you will be tested each time the class meets and that is no way to have to teach.
Gary
Hi Carolos,
Right you are about how first impressions impact on the rest of the course. It is always easier to go forward with good impressions rather than spending time correcting bad ones.
Gary
the first impression sets the tone for the rest of the term. If your first impression is not positive it hinders the dynamics of the class and it makes it difficult to get back on track.
When starting a new class, a positive impresion will set the tone for the rest of the course. An instructor's presentation has a direct impact on the student's motivation.
You need to let the students know you are in control from the start and that your primary goal is to help them achieve as students.
Hi Linda,
Way to go in getting a class started off on the right foot. This way the students can get settled into the course and comfortable with what is going on.
Gary
It is the impact of first impressions. In categorizing people, we all take shortcuts, and first impressions about people often turn into long-term perceptions and reputations -- which are good for people who make positive first impressions (the halo effect), but bad for people who make negative first impressions.
Hi Donna,
I think you do to. This is why planning and preparation needs to be done to the point that you do enter the classroom confident in your ability to teach.
Gary
I "dress for success" and come prepared with my syllabus and other first class handouts. I introduce myself and have students introduce themselves to each other. After everyone knows each other, I discuss the syllabus and course objectives and contents. I make sure that students know what I expect of them - it seems to put students at ease.
I also feel the first impression is most important. Going to a class with confidence, and displaying professional behavior, I think you gain respect from the students.
