As the old saying goes, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression," failing to make a good impression initially sets the tone for future encounters woth you students.
I'm a very positive, happy person, and I'm sure that my students will pick up on this the first day of school. I think that humor is a good thing to share and encourage. Should there be anything to worry about? Should I approach the first day differently?
Just as with most interpersonal communications, people (& in this case students) establish their feelings/viewpoints/assumptions off of their initial interactions with the instructor. A positive first impression will leave the students looking forward to the class (& the instructor teaching that class), while a negative impression will make it more difficult to gain the interest & attention of the students.
As a teacher for 5+ years now, I create a positive impression in a variety of ways. I make a promise to memorize every student's name by the end of the first class (probably the most challenging, but I haven't failed yet)! I come to the class with lots of energy & enthusiasm (no matter the type of class), which is easy based on my personality. I share my professional experience to prove some of my credibility outside of the classroom environment. Lastly, I come to class early, organized, & with a clear sense of direction, not only for the day, but also for the entire course & overall curriculum.
New students come in sometimes fearful of a new venture. It's important that you make a clear impression so put your students at ease. You want them to know that your there for them. You want your students to feel comfortable in their learning environment setting. This makes it a bit easier for them to acclimate to a learning environment. You are the person they will see day in and day out. They must feel comfortable and feel that you are a fair person. They want to have a sense that you feel their pain... sorta speak... :)
Carmen
Simple little things mean so much. On the first day of the course and everyday thereafter, I give everybody the biggest smile I can to start the day. Feedback from former students suggest that was the best thing I could have done to get them started on the right note. Plus, it's always helped me to start off with a positive frame of mind.
A positive first impression is critical because it shows students that the instructor is prepared and professional. It likely lends itself to the instructor being viewed as not only caring & concerned for the student's learning but also maintains the role of authority in the classroom (given a good first impression helps command respect).
Often the first impression will be the most lasting, even after the deatils of the leason are long forgoten. It is this impression that you will be judged onble to and it is almost imposable to undo.
It sets the tone for the entire term. I always go over the schools expectations then my own classroom rules. Then I review the course content and it is a lab, have the student's sign and date the rules of the lab. These rules include the OSHA requirements such as no eating or drinking, the use of sharps containers. It lets them know what I expect of them for the entire term so I'm not back peddleing.
I consider my students as I would a job interview - I want to be confident, professional, prepared and leave a positive first impression. It is something that I repeat this daily because even though first impressions are important, students will continue to base their impressions of me through our day to day interactions.
Anna-Maria,
Trust establishes the basis for the development of respect. Respect then leads to the development of rapport which creates a professional atmosphere.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
As part of your introduction, I would emphasize on the experience that I have in the field, and how they will gain from you and the method that you will use to deliver the information.
A positive first impression helps the entire course run smoothly. The students will absolutely trust the instructor, and as a result the instructor does not feel that he or she has to constantly prove him or herself.
Making a first impression is important in my classes. I deal with many students who havent been in school in a long time. I stay positive my expressing how fun learning something new will be and try to ease their fears of whether they can get back in to study mode
A positive first impression sets the stage for the entire class. You should set the tone for the class and put your students at ease with knowing what is expected of them and how the class will go. If your first impression is the students buddy you will never gain their respect as an expert in the class. If students don't respect you it is not a good learning environment.
When you set a positive first impression - you are setting the tone for the class. In the college where I teach I may get brand new students however, most are students I've already had previously & know my teaching methods & style as well as how approachable I am.
I also think by making a positive first impression, you model for the students how they should be on the first day of their new job in their chosen career field.
It sets the tone for the entire course. Here,the 3 elements of being a model, a motivator and a manager come together. The new students will size the instructor up, just as much as they will size each other up (checking out the competition). There is no excuse for not being there a little early, appropriately dressed, and ready to go. A smile, or a quick greeting at the door breaks the ice then and there for many students - it shows our caring, human side and does not emphasize the instructor-student relationship so much.
Innocent,
Good points about the need for positive first impressions in new classes. Positive first impressions set a tone for the course that will be carried for the entire session.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
"First impression matters" so goes the adage.Humans by nature tend to make impressions in thier mind psychologically based on a first encounter. Making a first positive impression helps to imprint expectations in the mind of the student.Puting all this in perspective first impresion presents the instructor an opportunity to sell to the students what he expects of them and what their will expect of him
Bonnie,
So true. Digging out of a negative hole in terms of the first impression is always very difficult. So much easier to start out right.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Because you never get a second chance to make a first impression. The first meet will shape the students idea of you for the entire class.
