Get Your Students Hired
Rodriegus,
Good point. A positive first impression helps students get settled into the course and get a feeling about how the course will operate and they fit within the course. Then it is a building process from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to make a positve first impression because it sets the tone for hoe students will recieve you in a course. Also the students need to feel at ease with you as the instructor so if they have problems they can ask questions.
Wow, a positive first impression sets the tone for the entire class. Without this it is difficult to gain the commitment and support from the students on what they are going to learn in the class.
Kirson,
Well said. Instructors need to remember this as they plan the first day and how they are going to introduce themselves and the course. A positive first impression is the foundation to which the content and class activities are added.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is true that first impressions are a one-time opportunity. A good first impression can give yourself and the course a positive persona. Furthermore it makes it easier to give a sense of direction to the class and to demonstrate that you care about the students and the subject on which you are teaching!
Kathy,
You do have an unique situation being in a small enrollment program. This means your first impression has been made in the hall or prior to your having the students in the class. You outlined a clear understanding of how your professional personality has been evaluated by students before coming to your class. This is in one way a good thing because they already know you for the reputation you have earned and know you are there to help them be successful if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am finding (in a small program environment) that I often do not get the chance to knowingly make my first impression anymore...
The students have already seen me in the hall and asked who I am, or heard something from their peers something about my class when they took it.... My 'new' students are already coming in the door with an expectation of who I will be.
So, what is left for me to do, is to be 'even keeled' and consistent in my personal carriage and present a uniform experience from one group to the next ( as much as is possible on my end).
In this way I know that one successful batch of students exiting will inspire the next group to have a good experience with me as well. OR the other end of that, as I have seen happen, with a small group.... That failure with one batch can sour the following students before they ever sit down on the first day. That makes it next to impossible to begin cleanly.
Also, I can make a 'first impression' at the beginning of each session throughout a course by how I begin class. i.e. my energy level walking in, being prompt to begin, being enthusiastic, being on topic, being aware of the student's energy levels and preparedness etc.
Kathy
Albert,
I wish you I had of had you as a high school physics teacher when I was in my pre-vet program. I did fear physics and still do. Made it but not sure how. You have such a great approach to help students to see the value of physics while reaching them at their level. Keep up your effort as you are impacting the lives of so many people.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Edward,
I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I can really relate to your comments. I love teaching these students because they are motivated just as you say but I also have to work harder to keep them engaged due to the fact they are tired. We do some wild activities that get the blood flowing and their brains functioning. I am worn out at the end of the evening because I have to keep my energy up so they will.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Physics has always been a "scarey" subject for most students who have never taken it before. Even doctors have told me that this was the one course they "sweated" the most and feared it might hinder their acceptance into med school. So, I've always felt that one of the most positive aspects of my first impression (on the first day of class) is to try to get students to realize that it's not as bad as people say. I never intend to "dumb down" concepts but I promise them that I will always try to keep the material at a level they can understand based on their background...esp. their math background. Of course, other more generic aspects of a first impression are important such as: open mindedness, a friendly personality which will make students feel as comfortable as possible so that they will be able to enjoy and internalize the concepts. A sense of humor is also important when the situation lends itself.
I agree. I'm an adjunct instructor and I teach at night. Night students seem motivated to learn but at the same time they're often tired from a full day. I need to be motivated in order to get them motivated. Sometimes, in addition to preparing for the class I find myself giving myself a pep talk in order to be emotionally and energetically ready for the class.
Sara,
So simple but so powerful. Respect and motivation do go hand in hand in establishing rapport with students and keeping them engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Julie,
This positive first impression does speed up the connection process and with your short sessions this is a must. You are giving your students a head start in earning their respect and you establishing rapport with them. A win win for both.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Carlos,
Right you are. It doesn't take long for students to figure that their instructor just walked into the class and is not prepared to share content and direct their learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nikita,
So true and it is important that we remember this as we prepare to start a new class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It really comes down to respect and motivation. a student that respects the instructor is more motivated to try and to want to please that instructor. That student will definitely feel more involved and passionate about course material from an instructor they respect and to whom they can relate.
In a class setting as we have (each term is only 6 weeks) there is no time to redeem the impression you give the students if it is negative. In order for the students start being successful immediately they need to not have trust or personality barriers put in front of them. The first impression you give the students sets the tone for how the class will be conducted.
It sets the tone for the student. A student can tell whether one is prepared by the way an instructor/teacher presents the class. If the instructor/teacher is not prepared, he or she will have the students’ attention and make the class flow a lot smoother.
Aldorey,
Respect and rapport are two essential ingredients needed for learning and teaching success. Both involve clear communication and an understanding of how everyone fits into the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.