First impressions set the tone of the class and serve as a model of the worker they hope to become.
Tierany,
They are the foundation upon which the rest of the class is built.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First impressions are everything and very important
Jon,
Well said and the reason why we need to work hard at making a positive first impression each time we start a new class of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We were just talking about this in class. If I wouldn't have set a positive tone and gave the students a first good impression of me at the beginning of the class, we would have had a tougher time learning and communicating. The students would of not liked me and therefore lost interest in learning the material. As much as we would like people not to make judgements on first impressions, they are always important when trying to teach new students and get the point across.
It's hard to change a first impression so it better be a good one.
Arrington,
Yes, it does set the tone for future class sessions. This is why it is so important to have a solid foundation upon which to build from day one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The chapter provided excellent examples for making a good first impression. What you do on the first day really sets the tone for the course duration and sets the standard. In addition, it adds to your credibility and provides a model of professionalism for the students.
Claudia,
More common than we think. This is a good lesson for us instructors to learn so we do not approach our instructional delivery and students this way.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I wish everybody knew the three P's rule....I had a CPR trainer and she spend more time looking thru her papers than speaking to my coworkers, that was a disaster .
Kelly,
Great way to start off a new course and get everyone settled into the operation of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Setting a positive inviting tone for the class engaging students initial impression and connecting them to your instruction style creates a pathway to successful learning!
Carol,
I tell my students that I will extend them courtesy as fellow human beings as we get the course started. In addition, I will work to extend them respect while earning their respect. Once we respect each other we can work on developing rapport and then build from there in terms of a professional relationship as students and learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There is only one chance to make a first impression. Showing the class as a whole that the instructor is prepared, focused, professional, and taking the class seriously is vital.
As mentioned in this tutorial, instructors can be supportive, but are not to be thought of as a 'pal.' The instructor must be given respect for being an expert on the subject. Students must also respect the rules and regulation as described by the institution.
Making a positive first impression is almost essential. It will not necessarily "make or break" the class, but it certainly starts the class off on the right foot. Students are investing, literally and figuratively, in a class and by extension, you. They deserve our very best efforts and that effort starts day one.
Trevor,
Right you are so we have to make our first impression within the first few seconds of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students have already formed their opinion of you by the time first break comes around.
The first impression will set the tone for class and your credibility
Richard,
Good point because it is from this information you establish yourself as the learning leader. Easier done when they see they have a knowledgeable and experienced person leading them in their knowledge quest.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is extremely important for the class to respect the background, education, and experience of the instructor. These should be presented in a concise, non threatening manner to insure that the class is appreciative of the level of instruction that they will receive.
