We don't have a second chance for bad impression. Its like marketing, you want to put your new product in the right market positioning.
Karin,
I believe the same in relation to the need for a positive first impression. It is the foundation upon which future course sessions are built so we need to plan and deliver an engaging first class session each and every time.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think a positive first impression will determine how the student will respond not only to you but to the learning process. If he has a bad impression then his work will suffer
Demetra,
Yes it will and this gives a foundation upon which to build the rest of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It will set the tone of the class with mutual respect, readiness and clarity of the course expectations, goals and objectives.
Chad,
A bond is build upon respect and you earn the respect of your students through your sharing of information and consistency of delivery. This forms the foundation upon which the course expands and student learning opportunities grow.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By creating a bond with the class you gain their trust, by doing so they begin the learning experience your about to share with them .
Simone,
So true as the first impression is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built. We need to plan for a great first class meeting so we can set the stage for an upcoming successful course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A positive first impression is important when starting a new class because it demonstrates the development of the class. It sets the tone for proper learning and the ability to grasp your students attention. Your tone of voice, body language, visual expressions all gives presets into the perception your students will take with them.
Cynthia,
So true and such an important part of starting off a new class. You are the learning leader so you need to dress and conduct yourself as such. This way you can ask the same from your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students size up the instructor from first meeting them. Our professional dress attire, body language, speech, tone of voice and our smile and professional demeanor. that is way it is so very important to be ready on that first day.
Stacy,
This is one of the reasons a positive first impression is so important. Getting the students settled in and feeling comfortable in the class helps them to overcome their fears and with a carefully explanation of the course requirements you will overcome their concerns. Then you are ready to move them forward in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students are often fearful on the first day of a new course, especially if they have a new instructor. Making a positive first impression puts them at ease and lets them know that you support them and are invested in their success.
I teach at a technical school with an accelerated program. Students join a cohort when they begin and stick with that group through their entire collegiate process.
The first day of class is not only my first impression to the group as a whole, but it's when they decide if they will welcome me into their group or not.
Each group is unique, and I get to display different parts of my personality with each group, but only if they accept me on day one.
I always make sure to have music playing before class so as soon as they walk in they feel welcome. I let the students take turns picking what we listen to, and chat about our musical tastes with students who show up early.
This helps build a relationship with individuals, as well as the group as a whole.
Agreed. Making a positive first impression is not only important in the classroom setting, but in the job market.
Landis,
I am a big fan of modeling as well. Your dress and conduct sets the tone for the class and gives your students an idea of what will be expected of them when they enter the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important because if you do not impress the students to know that you own the class and that you are a professional and will not deviate from that, you can never lose control of the class.
The one thing I always do is I am always in the classroom at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the class and I am always dressed in Business attire, Shirt, Tie, and dress pants. I always make sure I am well groomed and ready to teach.
Landis
MICHAEL,
How do you do that in your classes?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is very important to make a first impressan
Michael,
You make a good point about how the first impression sets the tone for the class. This is so true and it is essential that it be a good one so the students feel like they are in a good place to receive quality instruction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
