It sets the tone for the entire course.
Like they say first impressions are last impressions. You want to have a positive impression on your students. They need to feel that you care about them and their education.
A positive first impression is very important to my students because they are mainly adults with families and they want to know that there is someone at their new school who cares and has knowledge to teach.
I'll check on Amazon.com for that book! Sounds appropos.
Sounds like you are off to a great start. I strongly believe in soft skills and discuss those with the students when the opportunities present themselves. As an experienced instructor, I am alsways looking for ways to improve my teaching style.
Hi David,
Spoken like a veteran instructor. You have a great professional development plan laid out for yourself so I know you are going to do great in teaching. I wish you much success in all your efforts.
Gary
Hi Doris,
You are so right in terms of setting the tone. We have to make sure that we show the students how the class is going to operate and what our expectations are. Once they know these two things they can internalize what it is going to take for them to be successful.
Gary
The first impression is the strongest and longest last impression. I always think a great deal about my appearence on the first day. I know in less than a second or in a blink of an eye students will get that first impression the instant they see me. There is an excellent book about peceptions and customers called "Blink."
In reading the numerous responses to this question, I have to agree that a positive first impression is extremely important in setting the tone for your new class. I am also a fairly new instructor, but I do not necessarily highlight that fact. I set my expectations and outline my policies for the class early on so that I can minimize any challenges to the rules. I stay on top of my training, both technical and with soft skills so may students can see that I am knowledgable in my subject, rather than focus on my being a new instructor.
It sets the tone for the next 8 to 10 weeks: positively or negatively. You show that you are ready; organized; and about to give them some "great value added."
I want students to leave class everyday feeling that it was worthwhile. If class sessions are not as compelling as "Oprah" or any other distraction, you will lose them. They have to want to be there because they miss out if they are not there in body and spirit!
Hi Stephanie,
This is a good way to help students to get settled into the course and start to feel like they can be successful in the course. By doing something as simple as this exercise they can graphically see that they can succeed if they will keep their schooling high on their list of success efforts. Even thought the challenges will still be there they know they can overcome them if they will keep looking for steps through, under, around or over them.
Gary
As a clinical instructor, I believe that creating a positive first impression is important on the first day of clinical, because it initiates rapport building with the students. On the first day of clinical, I like to use ice breakers. Here's one of my favorite ice breakers; I asks students to write down all their concerns, anxieties, and any worries they might have about the course. I give them 3-5 minutes for this activity, then when time is up. I ask all the students to get up and follow these steps:
1. Crumple the paper.
2. Walk towards my desk.
3. Throw the paper in the trash can next to my desk.
When all had the opportunity throw their papers away, then I say to the entire class "Now relax, you just threw all your worries away?"
A positive first impression is important in any situation. This inital establishment of rapport, as well as establishment of clear limits of the instructor-student relationship sets the tone for instruction for the rest of the course.
Expectations of the student are what they are before the first day. Once they have arrived to the first day they are looking at everything, getting the lay of the land, if you will. This moment is the turning point for the student and puts the instructor, if successful, in the driver seat so that we are able to be the Model, Manager and Motivator.
Hi Joshua,
Good way to set the stage. Show them the human side while letting them know you are organized and prepared to teach. This will move the course forward in a positive manner.
Gary
First impressions are lasting impressions. It shows your students that you value what you do as their instructor and you value them as students.
I feel that it is important so that my students get to know me and can feel relaxed enough to know that they are going to learn something in a positive atmosphere.
The students see you as the leader as soon asthey enter the classroom. You heard the old saying "you only get one first impression"
I always worry about my first impressions, I work hard at showing my students what I am all about right of the bat. I try to do all this without making my self out to be the bad guy who doesn't care about his students.
By, Edwardo Mojena
A positive approach in the beginning will set the stage for the student and professor relation. This will give the students a positive start to no what to expect on how the class will carry throughout.
