David,
So true. They know you care enough about them to set a standard for yourself and them in relation to the course. Your effort of being well dressed and prepared says to them that you are there to help them achieve their career goals if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
it sets the tone for what's to come. when new students see you well dressed, with a great smile and an genuine pleasure to have them in you class, it gives you the advantage.
Tena,
Well said. The first impression that students have of an instructor set the tone for the class to come. By making it a positive one then a foundation has been laid for a productive learning process to start.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Positive first impressions are important at any moment of contact with someone. In reference to students, first impressions sets the tone and attitude of the class and the person. The first impression is the start of the type of behavior to be modeled from the instructor as well as what is and will be expected from the students.
Roberta,
So true and such an important part of our educational planning. We need to be organized, prepared and focused on the class meeting so we can set the stage for the learning that will come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Because you don't get a second chance at a first impression. You will gain respect from students which in turn is beneficial to the student taking interest in you and what you are teaching.
Peggy,
Yes, it is. I always enjoy the first class meeting because I get to meet and learn about the students I am going to have. I try to have some fun ice breakers and introduction activities planned so we can share, get to know each other and get settled in during the first part of the first class. Then I can go into the class requirements and share the syllabus because the students feel comfortable with each other and myself.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A positive first impression is the foundation for your entire course. Starting out on a good note makes the class secure and the instructor's job becomes much easier.
There are several reasons to want to make a positive first impression. Among those, is the need to establish a feeling of trust; of confidence between you and the student. In part, I see myselft as saleman, selling the necessity of the class. I will not buy any commodity, whatever it is, from someone that I do not trust.
Tiffany,
Well put in relation to the importance of opening a class on a positive note. With a such an approach the students will start to get settled in and focused on the learning that is going to occur.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students are naturally uneasy when beginning a new class. When your first impression as an instructor is POSITIVE, you without even knowing it relieve a little bit of that stress. Students want to know that you are caring yet firm, fair, and most importantly a human being.
Michaelle,
I agree. We need to bring our A game to each and every class we teach this includes the first class for sure. The first class meeting sets the stage for how the course is going to operate and how we (instructor and students) see each other in relation to the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Rex,
Since I teach from 4 until 10 pm I can relate to fatigue. Your approach enables you to offer change of pace when and as needed. This is important to keep the students engaged especially since they are coming to class already tired.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Making a positive first impression sets the tone and expectation for future meetings. In my opinion, not only does it model "good" habits for the students, it forces instructors to set the bar high and continue to reach their personal best for every class encounter.
So true. Fatigue is a problem. My students are all evening exercise science students so even when lab (gym or exercise) is first, I usually modify the lab time based on the students so we can keep them engaged. Sometimes first, sometimes last and sometimes a split.
Janet,
So true. It is for sure that if you are not excited about your content and do not have a passion for teaching the students are not going to be engaged nor enthusiastic. We must be the learning leaders each and every time the class meets.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First impressions are very important. If you give off that you are uninterested in being there, the students will be uninterested. They wont gain anything from the course.
Diana,
Great self evaluation to use as you get ready to start a new class. By answering this question you will be setting the stage for an engaging and exciting class to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kenisha,
Well said and such an important part of getting a new class off to a good start. I am starting two new courses this Wednesday and I am excited about the introductions, ice breakers and impressions that everyone is going to be a part of and interact with.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students will talk; therefore, I begin with the end in mind. As I'm preparing my positive first impression I ask myself "What would I want the students to say to each other about me." It helps me to focus on sharing the parts of me that would be important to them and help them know that I care about their success.
