A positive first impression sets the course for the rest of the class. If students have a poor impression of the instructor at the beginning of the course it may take several class periods before that instructor can regain credibility with his class. The instructor also risks not ever getting the full credibility he or she may need to successfully teach the class.
The first impression is often the lasting one. It is absolutely crucial to make a positive first impression with my students. The key to doing so is acknowledging that it is our class, which means both student and instructor. I clearly articulate that in order for our class to yield the optimal benefits there are things that will be required of them as students and me as their instructor. I do my best to create an atmosphere of collaborative learning from the very beginning of the class. It sets the tone for the entire class.
Everything we do ministers,
Jennifer Gaddy
The students that are in the course where I teach are adults who enrolled in a university in order to better themselves, become more educated, or perhaps increase their skills to increase their job opportunities. The students are spending a large amount of money and time in order to achieve these goals, and as their instructor, I should be aware of this and do my best to not only reflect professionalism and technical knowledge in the field, but also to reflect a role model for the students, as many of them may not have any prior contact at this level with anyone from the field before. Understanding this, and working my hardest to be the best instructor I can be, will also show the students I respect them.
It is crucial that a teacher makes a positive first impression to their students in the first day of class; the success of both the students and the teacher depend on it.
Teacher's need to set the tone for the class, creating a professional and efficient, yet relaxed and agreeable environment for which the students can flourish in their development.
Being organized is a very important thing when it comes to positive first impressions. If the students ask questions about the schedule you should be ready and prepared to answer.
Setting guidlines for how the students will interact with each other & the instructor during his/her time in the class. Allowing the student to feel at ease when entering a new classroom,so they can feel more relaxed. Also to gain trust/respect as a positive role model for the student to emulate.
Your integrity, respectability and leadership of the class is highly jeopardized if a positive impression is not made the first class. Knowing your stuff, familiarizing youself with the class environment and a lot of practice prior to the first class will build confidence and strenght required in your first day of class to make a positive impression
Making a positive first impression is important because it sets the pace and the tome of the class. Is also allows students to develop a sense of respect and trust for that instructor.
I agree, you must be yourself while still being professional. This will set up a good first impression.
Hi Randy,
This is so true when it comes to being authentic with your students. Making that all important first impression is critical so the students can see you as being helpful and supportive to their learning success.
Gary
I think that making a positive first impression sets the tone for the class and the curriculum. You as an instructor need to establish a precedence to your students because once your students recognize that the course is what you say it is then they want to be there and you as an instructor have motivated them to learn and motivate them to want to be in class.
Making a good 1st impression is a priority for any instructor. Students seem to have the ability to read right through us and when we make a bad 1st impression it sets the tone for the remainder of the session or semester. We as instructors have to genuinely show the students that we have thier best interest at heart. Once we do that the athmosphere for learning is open and the students will be willing participants in the journey of learning.
Hi Stephanie,
Well said! This creates a foundation for the rest of the class sessions so all instructors need to be prepared and bring their best professional skills to the classroom.
Gary
Hi Brian,
Right you are. First impressions are made in every situation. In teaching we need to make sure they are positive so you can move the class forward with students that are excited about what they are going to learn.
Gary
A positive first impression is a very important. The students need to know that the instructor is well organized from day one. The students need to know they can trust the instructor. It is important to appear confident in the course content and structure.
A positive first impression is important because it can establish your credibility as an instructor, reassure students that are in good hands and that they're money is well spent.
Before I started teaching I was in auto service management and it did not take long to find out that first impressions mean everything and could certainly impact your paycheck.Now that I am an instructor I still strive to make a good first impression because I think it calms the students and makes the entire class enviroment run smoother.
Because students will know what is to be expected from them
Students need to know that the class contains important information and is relayed by a professional capable of teaching them the material. Should a bad first impression occur, student may doubt the credibility of the teacher, course, school, and the profession.
I've learned that the first day is the most important day in regards to ensuring that you have a controlled classroom. I always wear a suit on the first day (and actually throughout the first week) and throughly explain my course expectations, behavior rules, etc. to show the professionalism that I expect from my students. I've learned that this is key to having a controlled classroom with students who respect YOU and the learning environment.
