Its the simplist yet the most important thing. The first impression tend to set the tone for the entire term.
Michael,
Thank you for the example. It illustrates your point exactly. This is too high a cost in relation to scaring students before they can even get settled into the course. We need to be always conscious of the impression factor on student retention.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A positive first impression is very important when staring a new class because it sets the tone for the entire term in that class. Students will build an impression of what kind of an instructor you will be during the first day. Does he/she have a rapport with the students? Is he/she going to be approachable and easy to get along with or is he/she going to be harsh? When I was a student, there was one instructor who had an overpowering and authoritative demeanor that myself and my fellow students found frightening! We knew right from the start that not only this instructor would be a tough instructor, but also from his demeanor, that the course would be a tough one - and it was! Some of my fellow students could not handle that and felt that he was not approachable. As a result, more than half the class failed his course. Through student feedback, the teacher was corrected by his program chair.
It's amazing that students will pass the word to other students about what a particular teacher is like - so much so, that a positive or negative feedback about a teacher by one student will determine if future students will take a class from that particular teacher. First impressions are critical because it sets the stage for how the class will go throughout the term and if the students will enjoy the class. Some students may WANT to enjoy the class, but the negative first impression of the teacher will set a negative mindset in the student that he/she will not enjoy the class because of the teacher, not nescessarily because of the course content.
they need to feel comfortable and know that you the instructor are there to teach and help them understand
Danny,
So true and a concept that needs to be reinforced each time we start a new class. We have to make sure that the first impression sells the course to the students and helps them get settled into learning format.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Elizabeth,
I like your approach to instructional planning. I use this same method as I do my instructional planning. By introducing a new method, strategy, concept or content I keep my interest up in the course because I'm never sure how the new item will play out for the students. This keeps my interest and helps me to continually improve the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A first impression is a lasting one and if you will be able to gain the interest of the students in the first day, the easier will be the learning process. The more that the students see that you are competent, the more that they will trust you and doubts will be erased and learning process becomes easier.
I not only review my notes and slides but I try to add something new every class each time I teach it. Usually I can find something medical in the news but other times I find new drawings or other new material on the web. The Harvard Health letters are great sources of ideas for additional info for my rather dry pharmacology lectures.
I think that first impressions are lasting.
Students need to see that from the beginning the instructor has exuded the proper attire. Behavior and attitude are also important determinants of what students will be looking for
Kerry,
Very true. This sets the tone for the class to come. This is the foundation for the development of respect from the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
You are building credibility as an instructor. If you appear to be organized and on top of things the students will respect you more as an educational leader.
Joseph,
With this concern I would review the lesson plans and strive to make sure that I am presenting the essential key concepts that the students need to have to be successful. Once that is done then you can add in the supporting information that supports the core concepts.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
To motivate students and gain/maintain respect.
The only problem I have is sometimes I beleive that I might be sharing to much information with my students based on a CEC training that we had.
A positive first impression is important when starting a new class because it sets the tone of how the whole class will interact with each other and with the instructor. A positive first impression will demonstrate to the students that the instructor is prepared are approachable.
Joseph,
Good idea. They not only hear from you they are seeing the other aspect of your life that drive you to be the educator that you are. Good personal and professional touch.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Beth,
So good to hear that you had educators that helped you to acquire your zeal for teaching. Have fun, enjoy your students and bring the passion. This is what being a professional is all about.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A positive first impression becomes the foundation of your relationship with your students through-out the entire course.
first impression is key to anything in life.
I have developed a small (8 PowerPoint Slide) Titled "This is your Instructor". In the slide show I give the students Contact information, professional details and some highlights of my non professional life (hobbies and interests). I find that this can help my students know where I am coming from. It also helps them open up with me.
