A good first impression also helps set the tone for the classes to come. The instructor's enthusiasm and interest in the students helps motivate them to be involved in the course.
I agree, Rachel! I think this is one of the best ways to make a good first impression and will also lead to motivation! If you show your students that you love the subject - you're right, it can be contagious!
Hi All,
What are some of strategies you have found most effective in making positive first impressions?
Thanks in advance for your input.
Gary
True... students need to fel that they are aquiring useful knoeledge for their efforts. A positive first impression will help establish a sense of quality about the course and its content.
I believe setting a positive first impression will keep your student interested on the course and will look forward to following meetings/classes. Thus, it is important not only the first positive impression but to maintain the positive atmosphere through out the entire course.
Making a positive first impression sets the tone of the course. This set the expectation for the class. If you are unorganized the first day, Student will think they will not get anything out of the class and will not have the drive to learn.
Having a great first impression will gain a great respect for you and the class and will have an enjoyable learning experience.
A positve first impression sets the tone for the entire course and will help you gain the students respect.
I agree. The image the instructor portrays, even with body language, can tell students a lot the first day. Instructors need to be firm with grading policies and announce them the first day; then, there are no challenges at the end of the quarter or semester. No being a "pushover" allowed. Be stern, but available and a good listener.
Lori
A positive first impressions helps to ease the students nerves and tends help get and keep the students engaged in the learning environment.
If you can start your class with a feeling that everyone is here for the same reason it will help to get the class on the right page. If the class gets a good feeling about you as the instructor form the beganing your job will be easier. Give the an idea of your know how, your knowledge, your back ground. Show them your skills and abilities and you procede through the first day.
Showing excitment and enthusiasum lets the student know you like teaching, and you care about there future.
That is so true! You may get a second chance to amend that first impression, but why have to do that? Just relax and try to do it right the first night!
Debra Touhey
I agree with Alejandro. Setting the stage for students and yourself is significantly important. As a experiment of sorts, I deliberately sat in a classroom and did not identify myself as the professor. When time for the class to begin, I started asking questions about the subject from my seat. The reaction from students was more shock than I could have imagined.
As humans, we are creators of habit. We do not want to be surprised; we perhaps want as much security as is possible with a minimum of effort. What the students in that class realized was not all classes begin in an orthodox manner and that change, whatever form it comes in, can result in significant benefits.
Students make an opinion of the class on the first meeting. If it is a positive first meeting, they are more likely to be positive about the class.
If you want the students to respect you - and like you - then you need to make that first impression and do it right. It's important first for the respect and then the "liking" will come along.
It helps set the tone for the class. By making a positive first impression, you will motivate the class and hopefully inspire them.
You want to appear organized, confident, approachable and knowledgable. This will help ease students concerns about the class and encourage good relationships with them.
well...the first reason that comes to mind for me is that i want my class to have positive expectations about the class they are taking and how it will help them to acheive their goals. If I don't make a good impression then they are'y likely to have very good expectations of the outcome of this class.
A positive first impression is important because it sends a positive message to the students that you are excited about having them in your class. It also tells them what kind of individual you are as an instructor and what they can expect from you. Also a positive first impression helps ease the tensions that students may have in a new class.
Making a positive first impression is the primary building block to developing a healthy, compatible, productive, and effective relationship with students for a success oriented teaching/learning outcome.
