Brenda,
A positive first impression is the foundation upon what the rest of the course is built. A good first impression helps to establish you as the learning leader in the minds of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to make a first positive impression because students are observers and will make or break the instructor 's classroom instructional environment negative if the instructor isn't knowledgeable about the course/subject.
Susanne,
Like your idea of listening to the students right from the beginning. I give my students a pretest so I can get a baseline on them and then I have them respond to some general questions on a 3X5 card. Their responses help me to see where they are coming from and what their expectations are. This way we can get on the same page from the beginning of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Making a first positive impression is important because it sets the tone of the class from then on.
All this is true...I think it important to try to interact with as many students as possible on the first day of class.
Hello Gary and All,
As to a positive first impression, it is imperative to listen to students. I discuss the guidelines and expectations of the course but it is important to listen to what students are saying in class and respond to them. This make sound simplistic but I have monitored classes where the instructors talked at the class. I could see the students eyes glaze over and it was only the first day of class!
Thoughts?
Susanne
First day of class it very important for all students. I try my best to explain every thing in a very positive way and make them comfortable in my clasroom.
Diana,
Yes it will. It is the foundation upon which the rest of the course will be built.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
the first impression,if is good,it will open the door for a good conection between you and your students and also it will make the class go easy .
Donna,
Positive reinforcement will keep the students focused on the learning process. The more they see success the more they will want to learn.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To create positivity for and with the student. Never begin with negativity.
Tommy,
Good point. Bringing passion for you field to the class room and mixing it with excitement about teaching it and you have combination for learning that is going to work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Making a good first impression is important because it lets the class know and feel that you are excited to be there for them and the course.
TaKara,
A professional tone is a must when working with students. We need to strive to earn their respect just as we in turn respect them and once respect is established then rapport can be developed. It is a building process from there in terms of faculty member and student relationships.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
i set the tone at the very beginning that iam not your friend iam here to educate you. i also give my email address and let them know if they ever need clarity on any material they can ask me questions directly.
Misty,
I get butterflies when starting a new class and I have been teaching for many years. I think having a bit of the "nerves" when starting a new class is a good thing because it says that we still care and want to make a good first impression. By having the students to do introductions and then work through an ice breaker everyone can settled down and start to feel a part of the learning community within that class. Then it is a building process that will keep the students focused throughout the duration of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A first impression is important not just because its their first impression of you but because its a new environment for both you and the student. Often we get a little nervous on the first day of a new class ( well at least i do. I'm a very new instructor, i still get the butterflies ) its also a new environment for your students as well. They can be just as uncomfortable and nervous as we are. Its our job to put that at ease and create a comfortable and friendly environment for the student to learn in and its difficult to do that if our first impression is horrible or awkward.
Gene,
The first day, the first few seconds, the first words spoken all contribute to how first impressions are made. Your point is a good one in that it is easier to build on a positive first impression rather than try to dig out from under a negative one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A positive first impression sets the stage for all that is to follow. You can build trust and a atmosphere of professionalism by a good first impression.
Karen,
Good points. If you have taught very long in your school you will have a reputation. Your reputation proceeds you so you need to make sure it is a good one. Sending a message throughout the school that you are a caring and supportive instructor goes a very long way in promoting a positive first impression.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
