I have been fortunate to have a reputation that follows me through my work history. Let me make something clear, I truly do not want to sound like I'm tooting my horn!!!
My peers, administrators have on numerous occasions pointed out my professionalism. When a new student comes into my class, they are fully aware of what is expected of them. I've been interviewed by future students to see if they would like to take my class and needless to say...I've sold them on attending the school as well as my class. It is so critical that a first impression be a positive one so that all doubts about me as an instructor are answered. In the classroom I continue to uphold that professionalism. I create a sense "pride" in themselves for taking my business management class.
Maria,
What are some ways that you have learned to give your students reassurance?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gives the studentr reassurance!!!!! And validates why they are here!!
Melannie,
Like your style. You are an engaging and dedicated instructor that sets the bar high for your students but will have fun and share a laugh with the when appropriate. The real world does not take excuses nor mess around and we shouldn't as we work with our students and help them create an identity in relation to their career area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A positive first impression is very important because it sets the stage on what students expect from the instructor in the class. If an instructor comes in late, doesn't have the syllabus, and/or rambles about random material, the students will lose all respect for that instructor. That will make it hard for them to listen to the instructor further in the class.
However, an instructor who is on time, in appropriate gear, has their syllabus, and keeps the students on task will find the class runs smoother. I have had numerous students who have told me that "Mrs. Phillips doesn't mess around", because I state clearly the first day what I expect. However, that doesn't mean we don't have fun - you can hear the class laughing often, but that isn't what the whole class is about. I just find humor helps in understanding some materials.
LaShonda,
Good point about reducing stress out of learning. We instructors need reduce as much stress as we can from the learning environment because there is plenty of stress in general being a college student and trying to keep up with everything. Knowing they have a supportive instructor helps a lot in reducing anxiety.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is very important to me as an instructor because people perceive you as being either nice or mean or hard etc.. If you set a positive tone in your classroom students are calmer. I have also learned that students tend to learn better when you take the stress out of learning.
Katelyn,
Way to look at starting a new course. Think about ways to make a good impression and then have fun with the first meeting through an ice breaker and the introductions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To many times in my life I feel that I have made a negative first impression. I am excited to start teaching and getting a fresh start. Making that first impression sets the tone for the rest of the classes to come.
Stephen,
Right you are. This is common sense but many instructors seem to miss this point and do not come to the first class prepared and ready to make a positive first impression. Then they spend the rest of the course trying to over come the negative impression they made with the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The first impression is the foundation upon which you build the entire experience.
Krista,
Right you are so this is why instructors need to be prepared and organized for the first class meeting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Terry,
Good point to push with your students. They need to see you expect and will help them to meet the standards of the field so their transition to the work world will not be traumatic.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First impressions are so important when establishing yourself as an authority figure. If you make a bad first impression you will be trying to recover from it the entire course time.
it sets the tone for the course. I want them to know that I am serious about expectations and expect the same from them.
Anne,
This is how you set the tone for the classes to come. You are the learning leader so you must bring passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching from the first class on.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First impressions are long lasting. As an instructor, you must make a positive first impression to yoru students. You are the role model and you must communicate that negativity is not tolerated in a positive learning environment. Attitude is key and specially for your first impression to your students, they will portray you as such if you maintain that composure during the rest of the module or term.
Mariah,
Well said! One of my issues with students and helping them to "brand" themselves as future employees. With casual being what it is today getting them to dress professionally is a big challenge.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Brian,
This is a good way to get students settled into the course and feeling comfortable with their classmates as well as yourself. They feel accepted and you are showing them that you respect them and are working to earn their respect.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I totally agree with this! I am a firm believer that if you dress like a slob you will be preceived as a slob...
