Hi David,
Thank you for sharing the experience that you had with a first impression that didn't go as you wanted. Digging out of a hole is much harder than building on a positive first day. I know this will be valuable information for other instructors.
Gary
Your first impression can be very useful in setting the tone of the rest of the class. This tone sets up the classroom environment which is so important for optimum learning.
A positive first impression sets the stage for the entire course. As most comments have mentioned, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." Taking this into consideration, a poor first impression may never be undone. The students in the class deserve the finest overall instruction that can be provided. This includes having their instructor 'shining' with instructional professionalism at all times.
Making a positive first impression is so important when starting a new class because it sets the tone and mood for your class. I feel if Im happy and positive then students will be excited and motivated about my class. If Im prepared, on time,confident, and just being myself Im sure I will be great on the first day of school.
As the old saying goes, "A first impression is a lasting impression"...If an instructor goes into a classroom with a positive outlook towards the semester, the students will also have a positive outlook. The instructor sets the tone for the class; positive=positive....negative=negative
The positive first impression is important because as it is said, you never get another chance for a first impression. Preparation for this impression should begin with the instructor prior to the first class meeting. Personally, I like to mentally prepare myself alone; like preparing to participate in a sporting event. I anticipate how the class will go in how I will greet students, questions they may have, remembering to smile, showing confidence without being arrogant, and making sure I everything I need for the class. I find with this mental preparation that I am excited about the class and can hardly wait for students to arrive. This excitement is passed on to the students. This helps relieve student anxiety; lets them know that I am there to help them learn; I am approachable and care about their success;and improves student retention.
I generally find that this first impression, positive or negative, sets the tone for the entire course. I must admit that in my earlier days of teaching I made the critical error in of a not so positive first impression. This was a very difficult situation from which to recover. I learned quickly not to make that mistake again.
I think a positive first impression is so important in order to gain trust and a cohesive environment not only for the teacher but also for the student.
If I was late the first day and dressed very inappropriate, I think my creditability would be shoot for the rest of the quarter.
A positive first impression is important because it sets the tone or communicates the desired model for success for the entire course. In addition, it enables the learners to settle in quicker knowing that, as an instructor, you possess critical competencies needed to be successful in the career field they want to be in.
To me this is the starting point of each and every class or in fact to every thing you try to accomplish.
One must always strive to make that first impression correct and positive. This is what establishes our ability to receive the respect we are setting for the future.
Hi Patti,
So true. A positive first impression sets the students up for the rest of the course. It helps make forward progress possible.
Gary
Positive first impression will allow the students to feel comfortable and confident in their instructor. It shows professionalism and shows you have confidence in yourself as an instructor.
A positive first impression is important when starting a new class because it is sending a message to the new students that the instructor is dedicated in wanting to teach and so provides a safe and comforable environment as well as what the tone of the class room will be.
Gives the Student confidence in the program, instructor and hope of what they will learn. A positive first impression keeps their minds open to the possibilities, helps reinforce the drive and desire to do well.
Hi Justin,
Good example and good explanation of why the trust factor is diminished as a result of appearance. We need to always remember that we are a model for those in whom we come in contact.
Gary
It is important because it sets you apart from the rest. An example: A doctor across from me shows up in shorts, slippers, and a T-shirt for work, not very professional. I would not trust or want to see a doctor who came to work like that.
Hi Gloria,
This is great to hear. I am glad you had a very successful class. I wish you much continued success in your instructional delivery and student interaction.
Gary
Making a positive impression sets the tone for the rest of the course.
I got to meet a new class today and using this online CAPPS education tool, I was prepared very differently this time around. A lightbulb went on in my mind and I feel much more on track than before after preparing well for the first class meeting and the first week as a whole.
It seems to me positive first impression is important whenever you meet someone for the first time. Just so is it important to give a good first impression when you meet a class for the first time. Give them the confidence your the right person for the job, the right person to teach them this class.
A positive first impression is the basis for productive learning environment. If you show positivity this will lead the student into a "positive" mode of thinking.
