First Impressions
Introduction Icebreakers are sufficient
Mandy,
I wish you continued teaching success. You have a good start and you are using your personality as an effective teaching tool. As you say they can't see you shaking on the inside because you are composed on the outside. Each time you teach a course it will get easier and your expertise will grow.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am also new to teaching and have hopefully made a good first imipression. I wanted the students to know that I am new, and if they give me time to grow into this role I will be an advocate for them. I focused my attention on eye contact, as hard as it was, I knew that it showed I had confidence even if I was shaking on the inside. I also let the class ask me some questions so that they weren't the only ones having to feel the spot light. I feel it went well. I will truly know in the days to come.
Misty,
Welcome to the teaching profession. You made it through one module and I know you are going to do well when you start the next one. Each module you teach is going to expand your expertise and your confidence so keep forward focused. Getting to start a new cohort group is going to really help you because they are going to be starting out with you as they progress through their educational program.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am about to complete my second module of teaching.Our modules are 5 weeks long. So far it has gone well. Being a new instructor, I sometimes feel I lack the confidence I need. The next module I will be teaching will be to a new cohort, who I have never met. Reading and reviewing Module 3 has given me some great ideas how to introduce myself and show confidence in the material I am going to be teaching.
I agree that first impressions are important. It is important to show that you are prepared and qualified to teach the class. Make them feel comfortable in the stucture of the class and aware of what they will take away from the class. Respect is earned not just given.
I agree Guy. A lot of times when I talk with other teachers who complain about the lack of respect they are getting from a certain class, I question how "open" they are to their students from day one. I think my laid back, approachable style gains more respect than actually stating reasons why they should respect me. Of course the first day, I get a few slight challenges, but when they see that I don't respond to their challenge with irritation, they usually calm down right away. Of course there are a few that will challenge no matter what, but for the most part this has been successful for me.
I like to 1) meet a new class 2) give them the details of the class 3) Lay the ground rules for the class and after I set up the "boundaries" I start to lighten up to let them know I as still in charge but we are going to have a great time learning in my class. I have a very diverse class teaching in a tech school and if you do not grab the respect immediately they tend to walk on you. It is very hard to do this and not be the bad guy. I find it is easier to gain respect after I set the rules rather then letting them stretch the rules out and me try to gain control later. I believe doing this leads to a positive first impression as a teacher then I can show I care by teaching to their needs and levels of understanding.
Na'Cara,
In what way in relation to the students? How do you use them in your classes?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
