Hi Tim,
Well said. The first impression is so important to getting the class off to a good start. So much easier to deal with a positive perception by students rather than trying to play catch up.
Gary
I believe that an instructor's first impression is very important because it sets the pace for the class right from the start of business. It will also help the student prepare mentally for study habits, time management for the class which many student do not put this into their busy schedule when going to school especially for those students whom have been out of school for 20yrs. Informing the students of your background in the field wil boost the instructor's morale and then the student interraction will automatically start happening.
Because your first impression is the most lasting. A bad first impression is hard to overcome. A good first impression may make-up-for a multitude of sin later.
It is very important to make a positive first impression. Everyone is judged by how they first present themselves.
No matter how much education a student has, I believe they still have butterflies on the 1st day of a new class.
The program I teach is an accelerated, career college course, and they are nervous about being able to learn it all so quickly.
I also have a large student base of older people just re-entering the school environment and they are nervous about being able to keep up with the younger ones.
By starting the 1st day on a positive, upbeat note, I try to alleviate some of their fears in order to give them the confidence they will need to excel in their courses.
It helps the student feel less anxious about what
lies ahead.
It sets the stage and lets the student be compfortable with you
Wnada: I think it is good for the student to be a littled scared the first class. I have been teaching for thirty years and I am still scared the first day of every new class.
Denise: I don't know if that can be accomplished in the first class meeting. I find that it takes about two to three class meetings for that to happen.
Alexis: I think one of the best way to motivate a student or students is to learn the first name/names of the students. I think it shows that there is concern for their sucess in the subject matter and class.
John: I think what it also does is let the student know who is in charge of the classroom.
Yes I agree that the first day is the day you need to give the student the best impression possible. You will not only gain more respect but they will most likely listen to you more than someone who did not give a very good impression.
Smile, whether it is online or in person. Your students will know even if they can see not you. You will protray yourself as a positive, delightful person if you are smiling. Your voice and verbal gestures will also let them know you have a cheerful outlook during their first class. Introduce yourself and say something they can relate to; let them be hopeful that they can be successful, too.
I agree with you. It's amazing how we size each other up in a matter of seconds. This is especially true with on-ground classes. However, when teaching online, the dynamic changes because we don't "see" each other. Nevertheless, students can tell a lot about me when reading my class expectations, my announcements, my grading feedback, attending my chats (and hearing my voice) and how quickly I respond to their emails. And conversely, I can tell a lot about them in their assignments and their email communications to me. As you mentioned, it's important to set a positive tone in all of these ways of communicating.
This sets the tone for all future class meetings. There's no impression like the first impression!
A positive first impression will motivate the students to be excited about the new class.They will normally be nervous so I will learn their names and help them feel comfortable. I also think they will want to work harder if they see I am passionate about the course.
Hi Dr. Viar,
Right you are about first impressions. They really do set the stage for the course. If we can get the students engaged in ice breakers or activities the first class meeting in a way that shows them how they are going to fit into the course then we will have done our job the first day. We want them to want to come back the next class meeting because something important is going to happen rather than they just feel that it is an obligation for them to come to meet class requirements.
Gary
Hi Susan,
Well said! To have them look forward to coming back to class the next time says it all about how dynamic the first class meeting was.
Gary
Hi Amit,
Right you are. This is why that first class meeting is so important in setting the tone for the class.
Gary
The need for a positive first impression is that in most cases, learners will assess the instructor and that assessment in many instances will transfer to the course content. Is this fair or right, no, but it is the mentality of the learners, therefore it is our responsibility as instructors to set a positive tone from the very beginning. What are your thoughts on this? I look forward to your feedback.
