Hi Barry,
I like this exercise for several reasons. It sounds like it is fun for the students to do and it gives them a follow up opinion of what has occurred when they see their responses at the end of the course. Thanks for sharing it.
Gary
If a student doesn't see a positiveness from the instructor, why would they want to be positive or even come back? It can be very damaging and the student could see that as a way to walk all over the instructor.
It may seem silly, but I wait until the end of the first class and have each student write down something about themself and about the teacher. Then remind them that tey have on average 20 seconds to make a first impression. I later return that paper to them on the last day of class, and ask them if they still have the same opinions? It's always interesting to hear what they have to say.
Hi Shari,
It is so much easier to build on positive isn't it. Through preparation and effort instructors can create a positive first impression and then build from there rather than trying to dig out of a negative situation.
Gary
It is very important to make a good first impression. I try to instill excitement in my students for the things they are about to learn, yet I also make my expectations very clear.
First impressions set the tone for the course. If you make a bad first impression you have to work twice as hard to overcome misperceptions and misconceptions.
Students need to know that you as the instructor are ready and organized for the class to set the tone of expectations for them as students. Professional attire, pleasent attitude,and proper greeting all convey a message of excitement to teach the class, the expected proper attire for class, and an atmosphere of ease by a proper one on one greeting outside the class room door. It sends the message that you are not a closed off instructor. You are outside the class room, your comfort zone, to meet and greet them on neutral ground. This I think will lessen their apprehension right from the start.
I have also found that if you let the students know, during that first class session, that you're not the "all-knowing" entity everyone expects, but far from that, that you're humbled by how little you know, and that the real satisfaction is in the journey of discovering and acquiring knowledge itself, it seems the rapport between the students and instructor increases.
Making a positive first impression is important for setting the tone of the class. It can send the message that you are excited to have the students in your class, passionate and knowledgeable about the subject matter and accessable to them as a professor. I also believe that endeavoring to create reciprocal respect engages the students to put their best foot forward...they want you to respect them when they respect you.
Students like to feel connected with the instructor. A positive first impression ease any preconceived ideas students may have about the instructor.
The impression you make on the first day sets up the tone for the rest of the class. As an instructor, it is your responsibility to share your enthusiasm and love of learning.
The first impression will set the tone for much of the rest of the class, and lay the foundations of earning your students trust and respect. It also shows you care enough about the students to have taken the time to prepare well.
The first impression sets the tone for the entire course. You either gain the students respect and acceptance as their instructor or you lose them. You must be confident of your subject knowledge and your ability to present or your class will smell your fear a mile away.
I think first impressions are very lasting impressions. Students begin to size you up from the moment they see and that first impression is important. I try to look comfortable, relaxed and professional. The professional look, includes dressing well, being prepared with the assignments ready to go, have a neat workspace and so forth.
It is an important aspect of any relation, including instructor-student relation.It will be how you set your standards for the rest of the term.
Hi Tina,
Sounds like you had a positive experience as a new instructor. You did the right thing from the beginning and that was to earn the respect of your students. With respect comes rapport and with rapport comes an educational environment within which everyone can prosper.
Gary
I am a new instructor as well. With my students knowing that information, I had to prove to them right from the beginning that though I was new, I was knowledgeable of the subject material, had certain expectations, and was going to enforce policies and procedures. This minimized the opportunity for someone to challenge my authority and earned their respect and confidence in me.
Hi Roger,
I agreed with your stance on professional dress. As you say it sets the tone for the earning of student respect and gets the class off to a good start. It also helps to set the boundaries for the instructor showing that he/she is the class leader and manager.
Gary
I am a strong believer in looking the part - appearing different than the student. I where business attire - oxford shirt, tie, dress pants. This formality says that I care about my profession and will set an example for how it looks in reality. Dress also gives an authoritative edge to the instructor right from the start.
A positive first impression leads to the instructor's initial credibility. When the instructor arrives early, greets students, and is prepared for class, she appears professional and competent. Students will likely want to hear what she has to say.
Once someone makes a negative impression, it is difficult to change that impression.
