Get Your Students Hired
Teresa,
Right you are about the need for a positive first impression. As the learning leader of the class if you cannot create a feeling among students that this is going to be an informative learning experience then it is going to be tough to get them engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kimberly,
So true and so important in establishing a relationship with your students from day one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Pamela,
Many instructors don't seem to see the value in an approach like this. What you are doing with this type of class opening is setting the stage for success. You are starting the development of respect and rapport and will be able to build on both throughout the course. Thank you for sharing these strategies with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hello Gary,
A positive first impression is important when starting a class to help your students feel comfortable in knowing they have an instructor that is knowledgable of the course and to help ensure they will gain the appropriat information to help them beome successful.
The first impression is the most important part of meeting someone new (your class) If you have a bad first impression then it is hard to overcome that. You want to bring your best to the class so your class will bring their best everyday.
A positive first impression sets the tone and tenor for the relationship between student and teacher. First impression is lasting, and no matter how far you are into the curriculum, students will always remember the first day they were introduced to his/her instructor. Looks, voice, gestures, tone, attitude, clothes, hair, makeup, nails, shoes, etc. the student(s) will basically size you up inside and out. They consider your knowledge and skill level, and they are able to assess whether you are transparent or not. It is very important to give the best first impression by being yourself, and establishing a rapport for a good, long-lasting, trusting relationship.
Richard,
You as a student had an expectation of what a person should be like in your field and you have carried that expectation into your own classroom. This is such an important part of what we do as instructors and we cannot every forget the impact that we have on the career development of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Prior to becoming a teacher, I saw many positive and negative examples of first impressions. As a student I wanted to learn from a professional who looked the part, had a thorough command of the subject, was fair and approachable. These are the attributes that I bring into the classroom on day one.
Zachary,
Yes you do. What are some of the ways you do this with your students?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jennifer,
These students need to see that they can fit into the classroom and that they will have support from their learning leader. If they see that from the very beginning their attitude about the class and confidence will start moving in the right direction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
i TOTAL AGREE WITH WHAT YOU SAID, FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING.. i HAVE SOME STUDENTS THAT HAVE BEEN OUT OF SCHOOL FOR SO LONG AND THEY COM IN THE FIRST DAY LOST
Cynthia,
Right you are and this is why careful planning needs to occur. This way students can get settled into the course and look forward to what is going to be presented.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It creates the tone for the class. The first impresssion is what everyone remenbers regardless of the changes later.
Margaret,
Good elements for an instructor to bring to the first class. You are demonstrating your human side this way and that helps to set the students at ease in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
LYDIA,
If you bring passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching to the first class you will be setting the stage for a successful course to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Michael,
Good strategy to follow. You know that you will always look professional when you do this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yi,
Good point about having dropped classes because of a first impression of an instructor. I am sure you set the stage for a great first class and then build on that from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bart,
So true in terms of a needed first impression. It needs to be good supportive and comfortable. If it is then from there it is a building process of giving and earning the respect of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to make sure the students know the first I am serious about what I teach and second, I am approachable. I want them to feel as if they can talk to me about any concerns they have with class from day one while understanding that I am serious about what is expected of them