A positive first impression is very vital. This impressions sets the tone for the entire class. When I walk into my classroom, I give a happy, cheerful "Good Morning!". I want my class to know I am happy to see them, happy to be with them, and excited about the day. I do this from the very first time to the very last day, no matter what kind of day I am really having. I also include the students in our first talk together - asking them questions, asking how they feel about things as we go along, asking if they think the rules are fair. This first engagement lets the students know we are in this together and I am their advocate for success.
A positive first impression sets the right tone at the beginning of class. It can help reduce student anxieties and help set expectations for students about your approach, goals and expectations.
Hi Donte,
Well said. Clear expectations and guidelines help to reduce confusion and frustration. With a clear understanding about the course the students can move forward with the content knowing what to expect from the professor and themselves.
Gary
The positive first impression shows the students that you care about the course, the profession, them, and sets the tone for the rest of the term. If students can see that you care then they will begin to care also.
It sets a tone for the class and lets the students know and understand in a sense who controls the temperature in the room. By setting a positive first impression you are also encouraging your students to want to come back and be present for class.
Positive first impression, helps set the tone for the course and your role as an instructor. If the students feel that the professor is too strict or too Lenient the student won't allow the students to connect with the professor or the students won't take the course as serious as they need to. It is important to establish guidelines and expectations for courses.
Hi Timothy,
Great way to start a class off. You are making a good impression on your students while showing them that you respect them for their knowledge and life experiences. This mutual respect effort leads to the establishment of rapport and with rapport comes great teaching opportunities.
Gary
As an instructor you only get one "first" impression that is why it is essential for that initial meeting with your students to be a positive experience. An instructor usually has weeks to prepare for that first day and it is important to show your students that you are well prepared, organized,dressed appropriately for the classroom, and you really care about sharing your knowledge with your students. Also, I always like to tell my students that I expect to learn something from them too as we share this course and time together. I believe that lets the student know that I believe in their value as human beings/students and that I admit I do not know it all and we should never stop learning.
Hi Joello,
Right you are. Positive first impressions are so important in setting the stage for a successful class to come. A negative first impression means the instructor has to spend the first few weeks working to dig out out of a hole to earn the respect of the students.
Gary
A positive impression helps the student feel more confident in their being able to learn what they need for the course. If the instructor is confident and in control then the atmosphere of the classroom will feel safe for the student. Students need to feel safe to be able to learn. Because after all we are either teaching something they do not know or we are reinforcing things they have knowledge of.
It gives the students an expectation as to what the class will be like, what they need to do to succeed, how they need to behave and perform to do well and learn in that environment.
A positive first impression when starting a new class is important because it sets the tone for the entire semester. If you come into class looking professional and are prepared, the students will quickly learn to respect you.
Many students listen to each other regarding instructors. Sometimes they choose instructors based on this information.
Through the process of a positive first impression you can either reinforce the student's image of you or creat a new one. It aslo sets the tone for the entire course regarding who is in charge (you or the students), and how the students react to you as thier instructor is based on thier first impressions.
Making a positive first impression establishes the connection between student and instructor to begin the learning process. This connection has a direct impact on the success of the course and the student's ability to gain knowledge of subject material. In addition, a positive first impression stimulates passion and desire for the subject material and career success.
I agree with this That first impression is so important. It gives the students confidence that the rest of the term will go so much better. It not only gives the students a good model, but also helps set the stage for a more rewarding experience. I think it also aids in classroom management down the road.
I don't think that is a bad idea, because some students are better at written expression than verbal expression and may be more open expressing thoughts in a written form.
It helps the students to understand what to expect in your clas...
First impressions are crucial to gaining the respect and confidence of your students. If they see any sort of disorganization or lack of confidence in you as an instructor you will be fighting an uphill battle throughout the whole class.
I am not a new instructor, but I feel that making a good positive first impression is definitely the way to go when starting a new class. I share my expectations with them and ask what expectation they have about the class. Then at the end of the term I ask them if they thought their expectations were met.
A positive first impression is so important. Your students will decide if they like not only the class but you within the first 5-10 minutes of the first class. You must be clear in your objectives for the class and show enthusiasm about the material you are going to go over. If the instructor is not interested in the material, how do you expect the student to be interested?
