Making a positive first impression sets the tone for the class and communicates you are a professional and a role model.
Making a positive first impression is important because you don't get a chance to do it again. Once that impression is made it is etched in the student's mind and will probably remain in their memory forever.
I will be starting my first class in the weeks to come. I am a little anxious about it but I think it will be fine. I know the first impression is important because it tells the students the type of instructor you are. Building a good student/teacher relationship starts on the very 1st day.
It seems funny that people would even question the importance of a first impression as an educator. I've been striving to do that my entire life, personally and professionally.
I remember the way I got my students attention and got them excited. I was teaching the first video/film production class these students would take. I started saying I had two contradictory statements that were true. I first explained why it was the worst time in history to enter into the film/video profession...and after I gave them a quick scare I explained why it was also the best time in history to enter the film/video profession. And then built on that bit there.
by showing your students that you prepared for them sets the tone. It will let them know that you have your ducks in a row and you are leading by example. The standards that you present resinates on a positive level, also making it easier to take corrective action with those who are not on board.
Being yourself and portraying confidence on the first day is important. You have to able to step away from the nervousness and let your enthusiasm for the subject shine through.
I completley agree with you. It sets students up for succsess!
Eunita,
Good point about first impressions. It is so much easier to build on a good first impression rather than dig out of a negative hole.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
An instructor's first impression sets the expectation in a student's head as to the entire course. Being late, dressing or looking unprofessional or put together, not knowing the course material, and other items can set a poor first impression. Once this impression is set with the students it is hard to change that and make them value the course, the knowledge of the instructor, and the information which they are about to learn. A positive first impression leads to positive course outcomes for the students and the instructor.
A postive first impression is important when you start a new class because people tend to judge you by what the see at first. how was he/she dress, did they smile, does their mannerism suggest they can be trust with the information they are giving.
Ruben,
Thank you for sharing your experience with a poor first impression and the impact it had on you and the class that session. I know your experience will be of help to other instructors especially those just starting out in their careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A positive first impression is key to the success of the student and to you as an instructor. It sets the tone for the entire class. Right away, students make an assessment of you and your ability to teach, lead and advise on topics that are important to them. It sets the tone for classroom behavior and the comfort level of the class as a safe enviroment or a funhouse. I had the test of making a poor first impression and it followed me through the entire course, contiously challenging my ability to control the class and tempo. I learned the hard way, that first impressions must be professional, direct and clear to get the course started with the most momentum.
Sandra,
The first impression is the foundation of what is going to come in the class sessions ahead. So by starting with a positive one we can build rapport with our students and this enhances retention.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Making a first impression a positive one is crucial. All students need to know that you are there for them. Make it clear that your mission is to prepare them for not only exams but also the working world.
Philip,
So true and so important to the career development of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Philip,
You have a nice comfortable way of starting off a new class. This lets the students get settled into the course and get a feel for how the course is going to be conducted.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Tammy,
I like this approach. You are setting the bar high for your students and that is as it should be. You are also modeling the standards for the course so the students see that you value quality and excellence which are two attributes that are needed for career success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A first impression is very important onthe first day to start a new class. That allow you to create an secure athmosphere, but also helps students earn a professional environment and a broad perspective as will the class, the goals to acquire the maximum information and experiences shared in it
I really like your point about being a positive role model. Not only do we have to make the impression that we are knowledgable and capable but we have a responsibility to them and our profession to take these students under our wing and give them a reason to look up to us.
Positive first impressions is one of our biggest assets if we can truly accomplish this and not just in a professional atmosphere. This will set you up for the rest of the course. People will judge one very quickly upon their first encounter. Personally, I like to keep my classes light with a mild sense of humor. I might tell a related joke and I feel this allows students to see me as a person rather than a robot. I've had the greatest success with students when keeping it light vs a stern hand.
