As an instructor, you need to have two way communication, the only way to do that is by gaining the trust and respect of your students.
So true... If I show my students that I'm confident in what I'm teaching to them, with a good attitude, and confidence in what I do. These students will be more likely to respect me.
Michael,
Your last sentence says it all. The message has to be consistent and supportive. This builds rapport with students which leads to more engagement on their part.
Gary
A positive first imprssion sets the tone for the rest of the class. No matter what the impression, such as about caring, class requirements, professionalism, etc, this is the message the students will remember and carry with them, especially if it is to their benefit. So a positive and consistent message is necessary in the classroom.
Chemo,
It sure does plus it makes both teaching and learning easier for everyone.
Gary
Positive energy brings positive thoughts, makes the class feel comfortable and ready to learn.
Valerie,
It is so much easier to build on a positive impression rather than dig out from under a negative one. This is why the planning effort to create a great first day is so important.
Gary
The First impression is the lasting one. The students will know what to expect from the course.
First impressions are important because they give the students a peek at the instructors personality and if they consider her or him approachable.
The interet of the students and how they would respond to you would be affected by bad first impressions.
I agree. although when meeting a new class for the first time I feel like the prey set in front of a pack of wolves. If I don't let them smell fear in the class then I'll be fine. Otherwise, if they smell fear, I'm done for.
It sets the stage for the course.
Malcolm,
Another good example of how to cope with challenging situations. Your attitude is what is the key here. By staying positive your students will be more focused on learning rather than looking for things to complain about.
Gary
Making a positive impression is important for the instructor to set the tone for the remainder of the class. The tone will be either positive for the student or negative. This not only reflects the way the students will learn, but will reflect against the school and future classes. Currently the school I teach at has many growing problems. The problems are because of growth and shortness of staff. But the first impression can show that education can be difficult but the rewards will outweigh the struggles. I just stay positive that we will start and finish the class together. No one will be left behind unless they just decide to be left behind due to not showing up for class. Tonight was my first night with these students. I have 16 days of class to meet the objectives and I know I can meet that need. Not only that, 30 of the 36 students this is their first class. So setting up everyone for success to access the grading program and getting a student logged in who didn't have an account was the first step and they all feel that they are a part of the school and class.
As in any situation, a positive first impression is extremely important. In order for students to connect with the instructor and the course, they should have a good feeling about both. If a student leaves class after the first day feeling the instructor and/or the course is not for them, they are almost immediately doomed to fail.
A positive first impression sets the tone for the ENTIRE remainder of the course.
I think making a positive first impression is very important. You can make or break with your first impression.
Jennifer,
Instructors can recover from poor first impressions if they analyze why they made the poor first impressions and then work to overcome the issues. These instructors can be open and explain that the class didn't get off to the start they wanted and here is what they intended to do with a class. Then they come on with a highly organized well planned opening. This sets the stage for a positive new start. Then it is up to the instructor to maintain the level of quality throughout the course and respect will be developed by both the instructor and students.
Gary
Our students are taking the courses we teach to gain a set of compentencies that will help them enter into their chosen career area and succeed. You are the person that will be teaching them to succeed in that area. If the first impression that you give them is you are not a competent instructor, not organized, and they cannot understand the course content that you are trying to teach them, they will not have a successful learning experience. Your first impression will be the last impression they remember.
How can an instructor recover if our first class meeting ends up in a bad impression? Can we establish our creditability with our students once again in our next class meeting or are we sunk?
