A positive first impression helps build a positive relationship between the teacher and student. Thus, allowing the student to feel more comfortable.
I think a positive first impression is important when starting a new class. This gives the student a sense of "everything will be ok". It lets the student be confident in the instructor and it creates an air of motivation and excitement for the student.
It sets a level of expectation on the part of the student to guide them as to what to do versus what not to do.
Patricia,
I agree that making the students feel comfortable and at ease is important from day one. Since I work at a school where new students can join at the beginning of every new phase instead of every semester, I make a point to talk to the new students at the end of their first day. I ask how the first day went, if they enjoyed it, were they able to follow along, etc. I then speak to them again at the end of their first week. I want to make sure I am not going to fast in lecture. Do they have questions they might be to embarrassed to ask? By doing this, I have found I make myself more approachable to the students. And this sets a good foundation as to what type of class we will have. Many students have come back after graduation and thanked me for taking the time to care about them. Their first impression of me was right on target. There is nothing better than that.
YOUR FIRST IMPESSION IS YOUR LAST IMPRESSION,
IMPRESSION MEANS EVERYTHING.
THATS WHY YOU SHOULD CARRY YOURSELF AT A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL AT ALL TIMES.
I believe that a positive first impression sets the tone for the rest of the term. If students get the impression that the instructor is professional, prepared, and cares about student success, it will help to create a positive learning environment.
Mike,
I like the way you set the stage for learning success. You are modeling expectations through your dress and planning. The students see that this is a course that has much to offer by a well prepared instructor.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In essence you are setting the bar for the rest of the semester. This impression is how the students will begin your class and establish how they will initially view you and your class. If you create a bad first impression you will be pushing a boulder up hill trying to overcome that for the rest of the semester.
First day I am in the classroom to greet the new students. I am dressed in the same professional attire that the students wear. First day I hand out syllabus and give students insight on the course material. I try to develope that relaxed atmosphere for the students on our first meeting.
Alexcia,
All good strategies to follow in getting a class off to a good start. Students need this time to get a feel for the instructor and how the class is going to operate so they can start to see how they fit into the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Making a positive first impression is key. It gives the students a chance to see what your expectations are. It enables the professor to show that they have integrity.
A positive first impression is very important as an instructor. I always try to make a positive first impression by being excited about the material in the course, presenting myself in appropriate dress, and expressing my willingness to the students to learn as well as instruct them in the course. I think a positive first impression from the instructor helps to set the tone of the classroom and helps the students be positive about the class.
To help put the students at ease that the time and money they are putting forth will be well spent because their instructor is a professional at delivering this information and was a professional in that field of choice as well.
Your first impression tells the students what they can expect in dealing with you. If you are late and unorganized or early and ready to go will make a big difference in how the class goes. I believe that the instructor can never be too prepared for the first day of class and should show up early to facilitate a good first impression.
A positive first impression will add to the interest of the student in learning the subject.
The first impression is a lasting one, so look your best, be prepared and start the class off in the right direction.
Christie,
You are right on about the need for instructors to make positive first impressions in order to establish a connection with students and start earning their respect. It is a building effort from there on to the benefit of everyone.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Daniel,
Right you are. Thank you for making this point because new instructors often forget this most important planning effort. They need to have things set up, be organized and have a class opening that gets everyone comfortable with each other. As you say this sets the tone for the rest of the class sessions.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A student will not have the motivation to learn if the first impression of the instructor is one which does not create a sense of respect and trust for the instructor. Positive will result in positive in the working relationship, if effort is put forth.
As in business and life, if your students buy into the instructor they will be more likely to buy into the material.
