instructors only get one chance
As with most in life, you only get a chance to make a first impression once. The tone of the classroom will be set from the first impression. Students will immediately gauge the level of commitment has by the first impression.
Charles,
This is the human component of being an instructor and your comments are right on target. They will respect you for your expertise and support while you are establishing rapport with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Once you show students you can connect with them and you understand how they feel, they will be more willing to learn and be excited about class.
I find students are just as nervous as you are in a the classroom. For this reason i try to lighten the mood when we first meet, by making jokes that are appropriate with what we are learning. I find as a language teacher that the more comfortable my students are in my classroom the better they perform. If i make them nervous they tend to shut down on me and they do not perform or develop the language as well as they should.
Antonette,
The saying is meant to reflect the need for preparation and organization by the instructor. We all started our careers as teachers with a big bundle of nerves because we were new at teaching just as our students were new to our content. Together we survived and as a result we teachers increased our competence and developed self confidence in our teaching abilities. So you can build on your first impression throughout the course session and with this building will come respect and rapport from your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Is this really true? There is a saying "First impressions last" but there is always a room for improvement, right? For the first time instructor like me, I am nervous, and the students might recognize it.Somehow from day to day, I'm sure I will improve and the next time I know I am a pro already. Thank you for the tips, I learned a lot.
David,
Good point and well point. Made me smile as I am sure this has been said of me on many an occasion.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Noel,
Well said and important reminder for us all.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Oh my yes. Falling short of perfection after a good impression makes you human. Perfection after a bad impression just makes the students that the old goof wasn't that bad today
