A positive first impression is important because students expectations and attitude about the course and instructor are formed from the first class meeting.
All of us pay more attention and get more involved with teachers & presenters that "turn us on" in myriad ways. Our first impression as career college instructors must be to "turn on" as many hearts, minds, and guts as we can. We'll have more opportunities to do that, but there are grossly diminishing returns the later that it happens.
I still remember a professor I had in undergrad at a huge university,Virginia Tech, that tried to learn all his students names (only one professor in my four years of undergrad). I have always said that if I teach I will strive to do the same.
I also had one professor that constantly repeated the course name and number and was enthusiastic about it (jumping around every day). That was 15 years ago but I remember "Management Theory and Practice 3304". Crazy how little things matter and I want that for my students.
Your first impression defines what your students are going to think of you (unless you screw it up later on). So start on the right foot and demonstrate that you know your field, and you're eager to share the knowledge that you've gained, and that you're excited to have the opportunity to help them learn.
I feel that the first day sets the pace for the rest of semester / module. If you make a positive first impression, then students have someone to look up to and someone that the feel is approachable and genuinely want to learn from. If your positive, then learning is easy, if you are negative, then the students almost repel.
As the saying goes "First impression is a lasting impression". Following the 3 M's model will go a long ways towards establish crediability as a instructor.
A positive first impression is very important because the student trust more on you besides they wants to follow you because they see you as a real leader .
Debra,
This is a good point and so important for the students to internalize as they get settled into the course. To know they are valued and will be supported in their learning is critical for early course success.
Gary
Making a Positive first impression helps the student to feel that they have made the right decision in returning to school and in selecting the school. A positive first impression also allows the instructor to begin to set the framework for the students to see thm as a mentor and guide who is their to help them to succeed.
I think making a positive first impression is of utmost importance if you want to take control of the classroom and gain the students trust and interest from the very beginning. From past experiences I can remember the most infuential and motivating instructors I have had were very stimulating from the very first day. When this happens, as a student, you can really feel the enthusium and passion the instructor has about the course and his role. All of these instructors took the time to tell us things about themselves that included personal as well as professional information. They also has the students introduce themselves and talk a little about their own goals and current work/school status. It always gave me a sense of optimism and confidence that I would succeed in the class!
Lori
I also make sure I know how to pronounce all the students names correctly and know their names by heart by the first day.
I make sure to review my lecture notes before I go to class so the students can see that I know my material.
Ana,
What are some other things you do to create a positive first impression?
Gary
Kimberly,
Good points about the first impression and the message you want to sent to your students. With a good first impression you can get them settled into the course much quicker.
Gary
Dress appropriately and greet your students with a smile.
Bridget,
This is true about getting the students settled into the course with positive attitudes through a good first impression. Even if the students don't like you you can earn their respect by always being professional and supportive. This is an important characteristic of an educator and I am satisfied knowing that I have done my best to engage the students in the learning process.
Gary
First impressions establish your credibility as an instructor and also should reflect the "human" side in an effort to bond with the class. It's also imperative you speak about your industry experience so they can establish your past/current role in relation to their career goals.
First impressions are lasting impressions. Even though I have been teaching a long time and you cant like them all and they cant like you, but if they see that the instructor is positive and loves the field hopefully some of that will rub off
I feel a positive first impression is crucial,it provides the students with an outlook on how they will react to your instruction and how their attitude toward the curriculum might reflect on their impression on you .
first impression is important in every field...it gives thr right vibe to the students and the confidence that they have made the right choice
