Robin,
Right you are about the first impression being so important. It is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built. We need to be prepared and ready to share so the students will see the value we place on the content we are going to share.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A positive first impression is important because it sets the tone for the class. Students will then to think of their college experience as a real life changing step. The instructor will be taken serious as so the class which will give the class more structure and substance.
It is very important to make a positive first impression because you set the tone for the class. An instructor must be prepared, organized, and knowledgable in their subject matter. By doing this and knowing your students will allow you to set a good tone that will continue throughout the course.
Absolutely! One of the courses I teach is Professionalism, so it is vital that I create a positive first impression. Later in the course, I teach the students how to do the same.
Valerie,
The key is to do the best you can to create a positive professional first image. You are right each student will read the first day in their own way and hopefully there is a connection made with the instructor that can be built on throughout the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
What I find difficult about this "first impression" is I want it to be positive for ALL my students but it's hard to reach every student with what you say and do on your first day. What may appeal to one, may turn off another. I have just learned to be myself and to try to be genuine so they can relate to me if even in the tiniest of manner.
Laura,
It really does so we learning leaders need to remember that we are being observed at all times, thus we need to conduct ourselves as the professionals we are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Mary,
It is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built. From the first class meeting on it is a procession of knowledge acquisition and personal growth. This is why it is important to get the students off to a good start and help them feel a part of their new learning community.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like the comment about body language. Even the best first impression can go wrong with poor body language. This could also influence the energy or tone of the class.
Ryan,
Yes, it will. It is the foundation upon which the earning of respect and developing rapport is built.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A good first impression is important because it is very difficult to overcome a poor first impression. The instructor must establish him/herself as a competent, accessible professional. This will help the instructor maintain control over the class.
Creating a positive first impression will dictate the theme and mood for the remainder of the course and how they perceive you indefinately.
Curt,
Thank you for these points about the value of a positive first impression. I know they will be helpful to instructors just starting their teaching careers. It is easy to get caught up in the planning process and forget to make sure that the first impression is a good one. This is a major part of the human factor in teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is where the student who selected the course first meets the instructor and is introduced to the material to be covered. A positive first impression creates a positive learning environment be alleviating anxiety. It provides the student with confidence that the instructor knows the material about to be presented, is familiar with the subject matter, may have had experience in that area, and the instructor is concerned with the students' success. Having a positive attitude, talking with the students, having a professional appearance, and laying the ground rules for the course all shape the learning environment. The instructor's first impression is truly the lasting impression and will impact the students' participation throughout the course, and of course his or her grade.
Manuel,
This gets everyone on the same page in terms of information and understanding. Then you can go from there with your instructional delivery. The key is for your students to see you as a organized and dedicated professional educator that is ready to be their learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Like the saying says "There is only one chance to make a first impression"
As I tried this method the first day of class, I follow a structured class template that I prepared before hand. In addition, I add the school's policies and emergency plans only the first day of class before the syllabi is presented.
Lucia,
This is the big connector when starting a new class. A positive first impression sets the stage for the upcoming course and sends the message to students that they have a dedicated professional that will be their learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Positive first impression is of utmost important. If you enter the classroom late or unprepared it does not take very long for the class to put you in a category of unprofessional, unprepared, and not respectful of students. If you don't present your self in a positive, professional manner you might have to fight for control of your classroom for the duration of the class
Aleah,
Yes it does. It is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It sets the emotional tone for the entire course.
