Making a Positive First Impression
Why is a positive first impression important when starting a new class?
As with anytime we meet someone new, our first impression usually lasts for quite awhile. It is hard to change that first impression without the passing of time and getting to know someone better. By having that good first impression we lay the foundation for the future of that class.
Felecia,
So true and so important. This positive first impression should get them excited about the course to come and help them to see the value of what they are going to learn.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kevin,
Right you are. Building on this impression will be respect, rapport and professional growth.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Making a positive first impression is very important to establish respect from your students. That positive first impression actually sets the stage for future classes. When students walk out of that class room on the first day with the feeling that their instructor is well suited to teach that course, then you pretty much have gained respect for the duration of that class.
This is a good point. Sometimes students are considering which class they may drop. a positive first impression can help them decide to stay in their classes.
This is basically where you inspire confidence and trust in your students so they accept you as their guide on their learning journey.
Douglas,
What a surprising way to start a class. I am sure this method generated a lot of discussion not mention student reactions. It is good to mix things up at different times and get the attention of students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have used a different technique than what was described in the lesson. I got to class early and made sure everything was straight (I was a night class so I could get to class early - there wasn't a class just prior in the same classroom). I then left and entered the classroom with the students. I sat there until about 5 minutes after the class was supposed to start. I wanted to see what the students would do. It was interesting.
I then stood up, introduced myself and gave them a test which was used to show how well they can follow instructions. More interesting results.
I then went essentially how the lesson described.
Kenneth,
Good point. The knowing of the WHY is essential as it creates value for the students. They see the ROI of what is being taught and the fact they get to study with a professional expert during the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Ken,
You have a challenging assignment with this level of students. These individuals are already established in their field and have high expectations of their current instructor. I commend you on your approach in setting a tone of professionalism and mutual respect. This creates a positive and forward focused learning environment.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Cynthia,
Great approach to the positive first impression of class and students. You have set a tone of which the students are aware due to the fact they inspect each other prior to class. This keeps them focused on their professional development as well as the value of the course content. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
First impressions are lasting ones. Dress to enthusiasm and motivating the students. A senior leader once told me "take the extra two minutes to explain the WHY!" This is important on the first impression and first day of class to explain the Why this course will benefit the student "body of knowledge" not just add credits toward graduation.
Kerry,
I agree. They are sizing up the class and you their instructor. We need to make that all important dynamic first impression and then build from there.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In my line of instruction, I am just one segment of the total course goal (F.A.A. A&P lisence). My students, of various ages, have already experience previous instructors. So these students, right or wrong, may have a negative outlook towards this new instructor. If I do not give them a positive feeling about me , my knowledge and my ability then that negativy will continue throughtout my course segment, and we all fail. The school, the course, themselves and myself.
I am currently teaching a pharmacology course for a Medical Assistant Program. The first thing that I tell my students is that when you walk into my class, I have already been given a first impression of them and they of me. I inform my students that if they present themselves as a professional student, then they will succeed. I now have students that gather in the hall or bathrooms and they exam each other so they do not misrepresent themself. I expect their uniforms to be pressed and the hair and body to be put together. I pride myself on being prepared and organized and my students realize this and respect me and my teaching because of this. I only teach class 5 hours a day, but I prepare an average of 10 additional hours per week, over and above my grading. If I can show them that the first impression is as important as what comes out of there mouth for an interview, I have succeeded.
A very trun statement. A first impression whether good or bad goes a long way.
So true...if you do not make a good first impression it is so hard to make the second, third and so on. You want your students to trust you from day one.
I believe the students are trying to decide if the couurse is going to be interesting and manageable from the minute they first see you. As instructors we want to have every advantage we can. By looking professional, being prepared, and relaxed will give us that advantage we need.
Negative first impressions are hard to shake: start off on the wrong foot, and you could find yourself fighting an uphill battle for the remainder of the course.
