You know what they say about first impressions...
In my first term I was a new hire as an ad-junct professor and brought on board the week before school started, on a building that was being remodeled. At the time I didn't have access to the online accounts or even a school email (as it takes three weeks to get fully on-boarded, and I was on week 2). Needless to say it was not the best first impression, and very hard to look anything but unprepared - but I soldiered on and tried to make the best of it.
Has anyone ever had a class where you thought you did *not* make a good first impression? How did you correct it?
Biftu,
I complement you for your great attitude as you started this new class that you had never taught before nor expected to. Your attitude sold the course to the students at the first meeting so you could get through the first day and then prepare for the upcoming sessions. Not a lot of instructors would be capable of pulling this off so it says a lot about your ability as a professional educator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I had the same expreince more than once due to short notice of(30 minutes)before the class that I never thaught begins. I felt overwhelmed. The secret I used was having a very positive attitude and told students that how much I enjoy the class and how importance it is for them to learn the subject matter as it applies to their actual profession. But I took enough time and prepared well for the second class and made a better impression.
Valerie,
Thank you for sharing this example of how you got a bit of a rough start but rallied and then came back strong the next time. This is what being an educator of merit is all about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First day of class teaching anatomy not pretty. I fumbled through the course and end class early to relieve my frustrate but the next time we meet I went back over the previous subject and was better prepared and followed through with each tasks on hand, Better day and impression.
