Making a positive first impression will provide students with a 'norm' as to what to expect from a particular course, also gives them confidence in themselves.
A positive first impression is much preferred over making a negative first impression!In the first few minutes you're all "sizing" each other up. I find it's quite helpful to dress for success every day, but especially in the first class. It's also important to exude confidence and genuine interest in the students. If they know you care about them and their success, they'll be much more inclined to work toward that success.
Hi Catrina,
Good point. It is so much easier to continue a positive imagine rather than trying to trying to dig out of a hole that could have been avoided by being prepared, organized and focused on the first class meeting.
Gary
A positive first impression is very important, this completely sets the way the students are going to learn and there attitude toward you for the remainder of the course. If you are very disorganized and dont look prepared, they are less likely to take you serious. If you are nicely dressed, well spoken and look very organized and that you have your stuff together, you will earn the respect needed to get your students on the right path to succeed.
Hi Clarence,
You are right on with your remarks about helping students feel a level of acceptance when they come into the class for the first time. Your approach helps to set them at ease and get them focused on what the course is going to encompass.
Gary
Student need to feel confident as they get settled in the class for the first time. Making the effort to greet students as they come in, as well as being prepared are very important.
Hi Jan,
Good comments about how we need to plan for our first impressions with our students. There are many things as you mention that we can do and we need to make sure that everything is in order as we kick off the new class. The first impression does set the tone for the first few class meetings so we need to try and get it right.
Gary
Having read many of the responses, I conclude that best first impressions can include showing your students your enthusiasm for the course, that you are in charge and aren't a pushover, that you an expert in your field, and (less often) that you are friendly and approachable. I think we have to be true to ourselves, and our natural tendencies. If our strongest trait is control and sternness, then that will be what the students will experience the most as their first impression. It will be up to the instructor to make the effort to add those items that we have all listed to make the very best impression. An instructor that of necessity has become stern and serious to make sure students follow rules and complete work, may need to make an effort to let them know (s)he does care about their individual success, or that (s)he does have varied experiences to share. We can't mold our personalities to give equal first impressions, but we can strive to improve in those areas that are not our greatest assets.
Your first impression to your students will dictate how your students precieve you.
Positive first impressions make the students feel at ease. They help ease tension and fear that students returning to the classroom after years may feel.
Because it will set the tone of how expect the class to be managed.
It helps ease the first day tension. Students are nervous and you as an instuctor need to make them feel welcomed.
Hi Celesta,
What are some strategies you use when you begin a new class to make a positive first impression?
Thanks in advance for you input on this.
Gary
This is extremely important as a first impression is something each student will remember and sets the platform for the semester.
I definitely agree. I think that coming to class and setting the tone for the class and of course establishing who you are in the class are very important factors when making a positive first impression.
It is so important to make a first positive impression as you only get one chance. To already have your classroom set up, materials organized and displayed appropriately and being early to greet students when they come in will allow the student to feel safe, secure and correct from the beginning.
Making a positive first impression when starting a new class will set the tone for the rest of the semester. I want students to want to come back! Setting a good example will help the students in the future.
Making a positive impression is important when starting a new class because it will set the tone for the duration of the class. Your positive attitude and confidence, or the lack thereof can either make or break the student's overall success and esteem for the duration of the course.
A first positive impression is important because it set the tone for the students as well as yourself.
In our career field, massage therapy, we always always need to have a positive first impression to build the foundation of trust within our career field. I try to model that with my own first impression. Again, that builds the foundation of trust.. within the classroom.
