Cynthia,
This is very true. We need to establish a supportive professional atmosphere right from the beginning and then build on it throughout the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Anthony,
Yes, you do in terms of a good first impression because a lot of the success of the course is based upon how you set the stage at the first meeting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Calling the student by their name shows that the instructor cares and has made an attempt to get to know his or her students. It is special to be called by name.
A positive first impression sets the tone for proper communication and how the class on a whole relates to the instructor. For example, being in the classroom early or on time shows punctuation and sets a good example.
First impressions are very important. If not a positive one, students may not come back prepared to learn.
As an instructor you want to start things off on the right foot. You want your students to feel that you have their best interest in mind. You want them to know that if there is anything they need help with, you will be there for them.
Jason,
Yes, it does. From then on it is the process of giving and earning the respect of students while helping them to move toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sonya,
It is critical for setting the tone for the upcoming class sessions. The first impression is the foundation for the rest of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It lets your students know what kind of instructor you are, Also sets the bar so to speak for the classroom.
Modeling is an importatant way to first meet new students. An instructor should dress and act correctly as it pertains to their profession. It is important to model respectful behavior in the classroom so the students will mirror the behavior.
Julie,
Well put because it is much easier to build on a positive first impression and go forward with the course than trying to dig out of a negative hole.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is the foundation of what you will be building over the duration of the course.
First impressions are everything! The ground rules and the environment for receiving information is set with the first interaction with the instructor I believe. It isn't that this can not change in the course of the class but if you get it right at the beginning there is more time to build on the relationship between instructor and student.
John,
Well said. It is always easier to build on positive rather than trying to dig out of negative.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You never get a second chance @ a first impression,My philosophy has always been, get to know who you are teaching, as well as letting them know you are here for them
Lisa,
It is the only way to go. A negative first impression creates a big deep hole that is very difficult to dig out of.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Darnell,
Rapport is such a valuable connection to students. By earning their respect and establishing rapport with them the groundwork is laid for a successful class to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jessica,
Your last sentence is the key. If we don't bring passion for our field nor excitement about teaching it then it is for sure the students won't have it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You can never get back a first impression. You need to do it right the first time. They need to see a kind, organized and punctual instructor from the start.
The rapport established with students within the first few minutes can: create a learning environment that is relaxed but orderly,cultivate in students an excitement to learn, and
encourage confidence to participate fully in the learning experience.
