It is definitively important;it shows professionalism and also will set the tone for your course.
speaking to each student their first day.
Kyle,
Right you are. The first impression says so much about how a course is going to go for a student. We need to get it right the first time.
Gary
I've had teachers who do not make a first impression and it honestly makes me think differently about the entire course. Warm, welcoming introductions make the students feel more at ease.
It will instill in the students the knowledge that the teacher is professional, knowledgeable in his area, and there to help them reach their goals.
It is important to make a postive first impression because we don't want indimate the students and detour them from not coming back.
This is also one of the best ways to squash future behavioral problems
by Ruth Whitaker,
Yes, I do believe making a positive first impression is very important when starting a new class. A positive impression, I believe, aids in obtaining respect from the students who will than be more likely to benefit from the entire teaching experience both from a personal prospective as well as educational prospective.
Bethanne,
Good point about first impressions and the need to keep one's mind open to new perceptions based upon getting to know an individual.
Gary
I think most times human beings formulate how the sum of things are going to turn out by a first impression. Rather that evaluation be a positive, correct one right off the starting block than to have to "earn" your way back from a negative, wrong first evaluation/impression. Wrong as it may be to formulate an opinion based on a first impression, it's human nature. Some of my best friends are people I did not have a good first impression of and had to "work" to see the value in commencing a friendship (probably more my fault than theirs). We as humans tend to be judgemental. Some are more open-minded than others, thankfully.
I think most times human beings formulate how the sum of things are going to turn out by a first impression. Rather that evaluation be a positive, correct one right off the starting block than to have to "earn" your way back from a negative, wrong first evaluation/impression. Wrong as it may be to formulate an opinion based on a first impression, it's human nature. Some of my best friends are people I did not have a good first impression of and had to "work" to see the value in commencing a friendship. We as humans tend to be judgemental. Some are more open-minded than others, thankfully.
Wendy,
So true and so important. Building on a positive first impression is so much easier than digging out of a hole created by a negative one. It really does impact respect and control just as you mention.
Gary
Hi Gary,
It's important to make a positive first impression to set the tone for the rest of the year. I always tell new teachers to be confident (even if you're not) and don't let the students "smell fear." If you're unsure of yourself, the students will sense it. That undermines your ability to command the classroom, gain respect, and teach effectively.
Making a positive first impression is key to setting the teacher-student expectation and respect for one another. By implementing certain strategies for the very first day of class will increase the student's trust in the instructor and school. By greeting students at the door deminishes anxiety on various levels. Once class begins a number of events take place. 1. introduce yourself and course 2. discuss your accessibility 3. take attendance 4. hand out the course syllabus 5. show the required text and material 6. give an overview of the course 7. discusslcourse goals and objectives 8. define your expectations for student participation 9. discuss the basis for evaluation 10. describe how you propose to spend class time 11. give your students ideas about how to study for your course and 12. review important policies and procedures.
Hi Kmily,
All good points about a positive first impression for students. The sets the tone for the coming class and prepares them for what they are going to learn in the coming class.
Gary
Be on Time
Be Yourself, Be at Ease
Present Yourself Appropriately
A Winning Smile!
Be Open and Confident
Be Positive
Be Courteous And Attentive
A positive first impression sets the "tone" for your students. Showing the students that you are there to help them acheive their dreams and goals is very important and that should be shown with that "first impression".
Making a positive first impression starts the framework of who you are and what the students can expect from you and the class. In my opinion, this a top priority.
Gary Piontkowski
A positive first impression can set the foundation for your relationship with your students. Beyond subject matter expertise, students are also looking for the personality and character qualities of their instrucotrs. A strong first impression has the ability to convey so much more than a nice a suit and haircut.
A positive impression assist in the development of a good instructor-student relation.
