Daryll,
This is a wonderful way to establish yourself with the students. They can see and hear that you know your craft and are willing to share your expertise and knowledge with them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Making a positive first impression will set the stage for students to get excited about having you as an instructor. If the students also feel comfortable with you as an instructor they will ask questions and feel comfortable doing so around the other students in the room.
As a music instructor it is crucial to establish my credibility as an actual trained musician by performing during the first class and discussing the performance with students. This establishes respect from the students and gives them the confidence that they are studying with someone who they would be willing to accept hard critique for their musicianship.
First impression to me helps the students see who is going to be teaching them and how they see how you carry ourself. Telling the students about your background the first time meeting them always helps set the bar for them as well.
I think a positive first impression gives the student a level of comfort in the classroom. If the student see's the instructor as a positive instructor, then when they attend class, they know it will be a great envirnoment for learning. I always tell me students this: You have 2 options each morning, 1. Come to work positive, 2. come to work negative, but either way,you still have to go to work. I tell them, they determine their day and not anyone else.
If you don't have a good first impression, it will probably go downhill from there. You need to make a positive first impression with your students that first day/night when you first walk into the classroom. Your students watch every move that you do. Including in and out of the classroom. You need to be professional, set the boundaries of your expectations of them, and let them know where you stand. "Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care."~Theodore Roosevelt.
sets a tone and bjilds a foundation between students and instructors.
Andrea,
Good point. If there is a problem then the more input you can get the more accurately you will be able to adjust what is going on and keep the class moving forward in a positive manner.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It lets the students know that you are all about the business of helping them be the best that they can be.
A positive first impression is important because students need to complete understanding of what is covered and expected. This will, with comfort will set the climate of the class.
If you don't make a Positive impression on the students, how can they believe anything you try and teach them.
Making a positive first impression to the class is critical to the control that the instructor will have. If an instructor shows weaknesses and vulnerability, the student may lose interest, confidence, and trust in the instructor. Conversely, a positive first impression will uphold the instructor’s integrity and trust, which will result in a healthy classroom environment.
Because a positive first impression might prepare students for a positive course and it also makes them fill like they made the right choice on selecting the course.
I find that if things don't start out as smoothly as hoped, the sooner we can have a "feedback session" and get back on track, the better.
Rene,
Good point. This approach sets the boundaries and establishes that this is a professional course taught by a professional instructor so professional behavior is expected.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The fist impression in a course should be a strict but friendly one. Making sure the students do not think they have not entered a class with a new best friend is very important as an instructor.
Your first impression is your best impression. Students meeting you for the first time should see you as professional and a positive role model.
Sets the tone for the entire program. Students will be looking at everything, from your how you dress, talk and act. A good first impression will establish you as the class leader and give you the respect you will need to lead the program.
Agreed, instructors are experts in the field of practice, and students may not maximize transfer of learning if the instructor is not organized or creates a safe environment for collaborative inquiry.
Stephen,
Well said. The first impression sets the tone for the class that is to come so we instructors need to make sure it is a positive one for sure.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
