First impression is a bigie. How you carry you self visualy and mentaly. On the first day of class students don't know what to think or do. So I try to make them feel welcome buy introducing my self and ask them their name and what made them choose this field of work. I open up to them like the already know me.
First impressions are every thing .. You can actually know what type of students you have in class
Nicky,
This is a very important first class meeting thing to do. If you can get them settled into the course and feeling comfortable with you the instructor and how the class is going to operate then you will have had a good first class meeting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe it is important to put the student's mind at ease. Many students come to class on the first day very nervous and apprehensive.
Graham,
This moving around is a good strategy for the reason you list. In addition, you are sending the message that you "own" the classroom and lab, meaning that the students can expect you to walk around and help them at their stations later on in the course. This is a good message to send from the very first day.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being a new instructor I have found it helpful to walk around the lab when introducting myself to the class,allowing students to visually follow me, I also notice they look at eachother, i believe this makes them a little more comfortable in their new setting, rather than a blank stare to the front of the class with all eyes on me.
Autumn,
You got that right. We are the learning leaders for our classes so it is up to us to set the stage for how the course will be conducted right from the start.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First Impressions can make or break us as instructors. If our students don't take us seriously from the beginning it becomes harder and harder to maintain control.
Paula,
You are right on with your ideas of how to create a positive first impression and then build from there. This foundation will be from which respect and rapport develop.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that it motivates my students right from the first day to WANT to learn. and they respect me more as their instructor. Doesn'[t hurt to reach out to the students either, you seem more personable and someone they look up to as a professional. Just my experiences so far.
Martha,
Ice breakers are great ways to get the students talking and interacting with each other as well as the instructor. This gives so time for everyone to get comfortable and settled into the course. Then it is a building process from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Denise,
Your grandmother was right then and the message still holds true today so we need to be prepared to make a good first impression when we see our students for the first time.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
N. Dianne,
Good point. A smile sets the stage for what comes next and establishes the human factor in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Peggy,
Moving forward with a positive foundation is so much easier than trying to dig out of a negative hole. We instructors need to make sure we get it right on the first day.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's encouraging! I know when I frist started the fun ice breakers and knowing a little about my instructors made me not as nervous. I like knowing what to expect. Especially when it comes to something this inportant. It can make a student who might be having second thoughts change their thoughts and encourage and motivate them to stick with it.
As my Grandmother always said, "You only have one time to make a good first impression." People always remember the first meeting, especially if the meeting went well or if the meeting went poorly.
Start with a smile! Students are nervous, if they haven't had you in class before. They want to know if you are easy to talk to, if they can expect to learn a lot from you and how rigid you are going to be with classroom rules.
We all know you get one chance to make a good first impression, right. If you can do this, this you can get off on the right foot to create a good student, instructor relationship.
Paulette,
Right you are and this is why it is so important to be well prepared the first class meeting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found the first day sets the tone for the rest of the course. Always be prepared, even over-prepared and dress professionally.
