You set the stage for the for the class.
How you dress, speak and present yourself is critical on the first day of class. You have to prove your knowledge in the field and your experience, knowing what you are talking about. Students will listen and learn from soneone they know and trust has experience and the education in the field.
It sets the tone for the class, we only get one first impression and we must make sure that it is the one that we want them to remember. We are setting the example for what we expect of their dress, mannerisms, speech and interaction with each other. This first impression and the syllabus lay the ground work for what is expected of them and what they should expect from us as instructors.
Hi Eric,
Good point that all instructors need to remember. That first impression does set the tone for the coming class so why not make it a positive one and then build from there rather than having to play catch up throughout the course.
Gary
I agree I think it sets a tone of the course. Over time the course will change and personalities will come out as students feel more comfortable. However its better to get off on a good start with a positive first impression than have to make up ground later.
First impression are important. A positive first impression gives you credit as a professional. It tells the student you take your job seriously and that he or she should listen to you.
It really sets the tone. Students make there impressions of you very quickly, so it is important to be positive early and the rest of the time will go well. It also allows you to be friendly, but firm.
It will set the tone for the entire quarter/semster. You can establish authority without being overbearing.
Hi Elizabeth,
You have a very clear idea of how you want to conduct your classes and support your students. You are going to do well as an instructor. I wish you the very best in teaching career.
Gary
A first impression can remain imprinted on individuals minds for an infinite amount of time. That is why it is ery important to create a postive and supportive learning envirmnment. Where students can feel enouraged to do their best, so the can continue to stride.
It will be much easier to work with students. making your goals clear at the start, the students know what to expect for the rest of the course
Because students don't know what to expect on the first day so if you are prepared the students will see that and feel more at ease. It also establishes the instructor as the person in charge of the classroom.
I do beleave that have the class intruduce themselves is a good way to set the tone the first day. I will try this in my first class myself to see how it turns out for me . thank you for all yor info.
It sets the stage for the rest of your interaction with you class and it assists achieving the course goals.
Hi Ken,
You are right about how difficult stepping into a class after it has gotten underway really is. The dynamics of the class have gelled and the "new" instructor is coming in without knowing how things "really" work. As you well know it takes some effort and time to put your own stamp on the class and to move it the direction you want it to go. Sounds like things are going well for you and that you have found your position as the class leader. Keep up the good work.
Gary
You, as the instructor, are the model. You need to set the tone of the class and set the goals of your class. Students have most likely never met you and need to know what to expect.
First impressions are lasting ones. In order to get a student to want to come back for more, their first impression, if positive, will entice them to return, However, if their first impression is negative the chance that they will return to class is highly unlikely. As an instructor, we need to be a good role-model, one to which they desire to become. After all, this was the profession that they had chosen and it is up to us to show them that they had decided upon the right career. If their first impression is a negative one, they can abruptly decide that this is not the career that they so desire and chances are they will not return.
I find that having students bond with one another (icebreakers) is another useful tool to making a positive first impression. Once they bond with someone in the class, they feel more relaxed and have a reason for returning to class the next day.
I had an interesting experience on this one. I was asked to fill in for another instructor after they had been there only one week. This is a really interesting situation to attempt to make a first impression in. The class is already underway but again I am new to the class. It has taken a couple of weeks to get everything straightened out but we are all finally on the right track.
A positive first impression sets the tone for the entire class. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make it a good one!
it will also show the students that what you know and are teaching them still motivates you and helps to motivate them to learn
You want your students to respect you and this can only be done with good first impression
