A positive first impression is coupled with a positive attitude towards the students as well as towards the material covered during the program. A smile and a warm welcome for the students makes them feel at ease and creates a positive learning environment, a win win situation for everyone.
A positive first impression will make the course go easier from the beginning. Demonstrating how well prepared, knowledgeable of the content as well as provide clear expectations and regulations from day one, will add some funds to the trust account every instructor must have with his students.
Creating a positive first impression helps set the tone for the clas. Also , it creates a inviting environment that will assist in creating positive relations between student and teacher. Building positive relations also builds healthy working environments within the classroom setting which will promote positive learning interactions and experiences.
Hi Julie,
These are soft skills and they need to be taught as well as the specific skills. Students need to know how to present themselves once they are in the field so the more help you can provide them in this area the better.
Gary
Not only will this help to keep a professional setting in the classroom, it is also important to discuss what will be expected of them in their careers regarding dress and appearance.
Hi Nick,
Thanks again for your input on working with students in relation to being a new younger instructor. This is good advice for all new instructors to heed.
Gary
First impressions give students a measurement (temporarily i hope) if they would like the class or not. It is important to them since they are also anxious about starting this new term/subject.
Begin by stating you name and background in a friedly and positive way. Then explain something about the course to encourage the students.
I was in the same boat as well. I have been teaching for 3 years now, also at a career school. At times I am teaching students who are 10-15 years older than I. It took me a while to get the hang of it but you are absolutely right! You have to take control in the very beginning and let the students know in a positive way that you are the one in charge. Once the students believe in you and trust in you, it can make for their time in class an enjoyable one.
Your positive first impression will generate respect from many of the students imediately. I have found a story of an exciting job experience will help to show my background and the kind of situation they should expect.
Often the first opinion a person has is the one that they stick with and it is important to get your students off to a good start. If they feel uneasy on the first day it will be hard to make them feel otherwise. But if the first day gets off to a good start they leave the class excited and an excited student is the best kind to have.
It keeps the atmosphere positive and sets the tone for the class.
A positive first impression is imperative in order to set up the tone of the class. I realize that when I am respectful and follow the same rules I set for my students, they will respect and follow the rules in return. As a result, comprehension is much better!
I want to students to understand that we will learn all the course objectives, at the same time, we can enjoy the class and each other. I get the "rules" out there and then move on about the positive things we will accomplish in this class. I find that adult learners will respond better if they feel comfortable knowing that a class will consist of more than lectures and exams.
I really believe its learning the names of your students, I review my roster before I have the class and even check with instructors who have had the students to learn how to pronounce their names
Hi All,
Good points about making positive first impressions. What is the greatest contributor to a positive first impression from your perspective?
Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Sometimes adults need more support, because you have the working mom or dad that have already been to work for 8 hours before they come to class and when they get home their work isn't done. I was one of those students in 1993 with 4 young children and a husband that was an over the road truck driver. It's hard I know.
A positive first impression sets the tone for your class. It will be how the students will perceive you from the first day on out. Make it positive and fun, it will keep them wanting more.
I also think it would be interesting to use in class
It helps set the tone for the rest of the course. Some students may feel nervous that first day, but seeing that the instructor is positive or confident in his approach can help ease someones nerves.
