A first impression sets the tone of you and your class. A positive first impression puts the students in a comfortable setting and intrigues the students in wanting to see what else is to come of the class. It shows confidence which is imperative to gaining the attention of your class
Robert,
Good advice for instructors to follow as they provide leadership and instruction to students. This way they provide a learning pathway that the students can follow while growing in their knowledge, skills and expertise so that once they are in the field they do have the opportunity to outgrow their instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In most cases, students are making a career change and are in very unfamiliar territory. You are a model of attitude, professionalism, approach to problem solving, and what is applicable to know in their industry of choice.
Where there is gray or black, they will emulate who they know in similar situations that they come across in their professional career.
Don't let them deem you insignificant in the industry, or delay it as far down the road as possible. You do hope at some point they will outgrow you.
Michael,
Thank you for these comments about the value of the a positive first impression. It is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Why is a positive first impression important when starting a new class?
Positive energy feeds positive thinking and feedback. During new class introduction helps set the tone for rapport with students. New students open up due to the excitement of taking a new class and by opening on positive note helps work towards a positive end; and that is learning the objectives of the materials and reaching a new understanding of the subject that will last and be of value in the real world.
You only get one chance to make a good first impression. That impression will set the tone of your class and student interactions.
Kim,
I do not understand teachers like this. What do they expect from their students when they themselves do not practice the needed characteristics of being a professional.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Debra,
This is such a supportive and encouraging way to start a off a new class. Sets the tone for engaged learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, I worked with an instructor that was consistently late for class, starting the first day... She never earned the respect of her class.
You must go into the class with a smile, let them know that you arehere to help and let them know that you are here to help. Tell them your expectations both in class and in the lab.
It sets the tone for the course. Planning is the key to great first impressions. Being flexible is essential to adapt to changes in the classroom.
Peter,
Good point and well said. Thanks.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Its clear you can't win students over in one lesson, but you may very well loose them.
Kenneth,
Great points about how the first impression sets the stage for the rest of the course. You are right about how much impact it has on student perception.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe the first impression is huge. What happens after that resides on that moment. Once a student decides what you are about it will be very hard to change his or her mind. Be positive, professional and prepared and the hardest part is done.
Shaun,
You are helping to make learning fun for your students with this approach and I am sure your students appreciate your instructional style.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am an entertainiing instructor and I bring humor into my lecturing and I try to involve the whole class in activities.
I agree, you only have one time to make a good first impression.
FRANCES,
Right you are and why it is so important to help them get settled in and focused on what is going to come in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Totally agree. Overall, it sets the tone for what the class will be like throughout the entire course. By being optimistic and positive especially with that first impression goes a long way. Sometimes, students just may be going through the motions with classes. However, as the instructor, by displaying that positive energy with that first impression towards your students could contribute that necessary lightning bolt that one of those students might just need to get back on track and focus. Staying positive helps with the first impression, but it also must remain throughout the duration of the course to contribute to the students in potentially reaching and achieving their goals.
