Positive first impression are important in every setting and especially when teaching. As an instructor, I want to show that I am excited to teach them and that I care about their career. This can help them stay motivated about their career goals.
I had a former employer tell me that you should always be dressed better than your clients, I think that also applies to the teacher/student relationship
A first impression is extremely important. More often than not, it sets the tone of remainder of the term. When I was younger, I've dropped courses in college, because I didn't get a good impression from the instructor. Now that I am the Instructor, I do my best to start everyone of my first class on a good note.
The first impression of anything is the lasting impression. Making a positive impression during the first minutes of the first class meeting will assist in setting the stage for a successful class. All students regardless of age or experience or somewhat nervous about the beginning of a class. A positive first impression can relieve that anxiety in even the most seasoned student.
Michael,
You got that right. I can't imagine what a class would be like where the first impression was a negative one and then trying to get them back into a positive mode for the class. Better to prepare and engage them at the first meeting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
without it the class is an uphill battle from start to end. All it takes is when cynical student fostered from a bad first impression to ruin a class.
Monir,
Earning the respect and trust of students right from the beginning of a new class is very important. You make a good point about the need for a positive environment in the classroom so the students will feel comfortable as they enter.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is very important that we have positive environment in our classroom. Students needs to be able trust us in the same time be happy to be there not to be afraid to ask help or being worried to be missed judge.
Carmen,
This is my style as well and it is one that keeps the students engaged. I wish you continued teaching success with this approach.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Stephen,
Good point and a point that cannot be forgotten as we start a new class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Tiffany,
This is the human side of teaching that we all need to bring to class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I love to move around the classroom while lecturing and have the students interact. This participation makes the students feel more a part of the class.
It has been said many times, "The first impression is a lasting impression." Many times people have made a conclusion about a person within the first few seconds of meeting them. An instructor or teacher can loose a whole class if the first impression is not a good one.
Echo!It's important that you engage with your students. Being approachable will spark students to come forward with questions and maybe challenge what's being presented.
Claudia,
Respect is the foundation for the development of rapport. Respect needs to be two way and has to be earned by all those involved. Once respect is earned then learning can really take off.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having your students like you is important but more importantly you want your students to respect you and be enthusiastic about being in your class. I strive to hear "I think this is going to be interesting."
Elizabeth,
Good point because the first day is foundational to how the course is going to operate and that sets the tone for the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Shows the students who you are and how you will be for entire course period, its your chance to show ur professional and profecient skills as to why your the instructor.
Becky,
Good point about a positive first impression. This is the foundation upon which professional development will be built by the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Making a good first impression lets the students know that you are approachable and willing to help them during their learning process. It helps build instant repore and trust in that they will receive good instruction.
