I have always learned from childhood that the first impression will make or break any interview,lecture,date,etc. I start every day with a positive out look. That makes for a positive impression for the rest of my day. I am a new instuctor and I have find that my impression on the students sets the ball rolling for the day. Make or Break I prefer make.
Making a positive first impression helps set the tone for the entire tone for the term.
Christine,
It sure does and in addition it sets the tone for the classes that are to come.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
it shows that you are a professional in the field you are teaching.
Karen,
Right you are about how the lack of instructor connection can be a major draw back to student involvement. This is why developing rapport is so important.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A positive first impression will give the learner confidence in the instructor. If I as a student do not feel a good connection with my instructor right away, I immediately start disliking the course or subject matter. My enthusiam for the class is brought down. And from there is spirals on down.
It is important to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and capabilities required to help students to achieve their goals. It seems that once a student loses respect for an instructor, even if unwarrented, it is extremely difficult to change. This can have a negative impact on the entire class.
I am a nurse teaching courses in a Medical Assistant's program. I found it helpful when introducing myself to my students to give my professional path to their classroom as well as add a common personal note.
I noticed a few smiles and nods when I shared the personal note and felt that I had connected with those students in a credible and positive manner.
It is important that all students on the first day of class feels comfortable and re-lacks, This will allow students to interact with one another.
I would give an introduction of myself and experience in the field to make students feel comfortable. Afterward,I will have each student introduce themselves and what type of jobs that they are interested it. this will make all student at easies.
I believe that students are wanting to know about you based on student to student interactions. We should be willing to convey a positive feeling and sincere intro statements.
Students want to connect as we do, a positive impression will go farther than we realize.
You only get 1 chance for the first impression. If you can come accross as a professional who knows his stuff, is willing to help them and capture their interest you can have them for the semester. They will generally respect you and look to you for answers. In one or two cases they actually asked regarding some very personnal problems.
Marsha,
You got that right. This is why it is so important to set the stage for the class at that first meeting. If we make a positive first impression then it a a building process from there on.
Gary
Students never forget the fist class. They form an optinion if they can reach the expectaions of the class on the first day. I encourage on the first day, this gives the students a feeling of accomplishment before starting the first lesson.
Anand,
It is so much easier to build on the positive than dig out from under the negative. By setting a positive and supportive tone from the first class forward you build a strong connections with your students.
Gary
the first impression sticks to the students mind as a memory imprint
later corrections of missteps are not easy to corrrect later
Helps students find a comfort level in beginning this new educational experience
Confidence and knowing the subject is the key to a successful class. Students can sense if you are nervous or dont know what you are teaching. "I always say I am firm but fair".
Frances,
This is so important and you make a good point about the value of a positive first impression. It sets the stage for the entire course.
Gary
A positive first impression helps to set the tone of the instructor-student relationship. Students will get the feeling that you know the content, and have the skills/experience worth sharing with the group. Students will be able to see that they can trust you in providing them with the help they will need to succeed in the class.
