I AGREE WITH HERNAND THAT THE STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THEM FROM DAY ONE SO THERE IS NO CONFUSION LATER. WE ARE THERE FOR THEM BUT THEY NEED TO TAKE THE INIATIVE.
Making a good first impression sets the stage for you and the students. It demonstrates to them they are in good hands and instructors ability to be a successful teacher.
Making a positive first impression sets the tone for a positive relationship between the instructor and the students.
Hi Sara,
So true. That is when opinions are formed and it is so much easier to move forward with a positive image rather than trying to dig out of a negative hole.
Gary
First impressions can make or break your course. If students do not get a good impression of you at first they may not learn anything.
I need to establish my credibility and gain the respect of the students so that we have "smooth sailing" for the entire term. If I make a positive (versus negative) impression, the students will want to come to class and participate. They won't be afraid that they can't learn the required bookwork & skills to pass the class. If they realize they will learn what's needed to start their new career, and that it will be fun, this will provide motivation for them.
You don't get a chance to do a do-over, you only make a first impression once!!!!!
Benjamin-
Your example of the first tile on the floor is a good way to illustrate the importance of the first day. Students not only need to have confidence in your ability to lead the class through knowledge and classroom management techniques, they also need to know that you care about them and will build a safe atmosphere that is conducive to learning.
Making a positive first impression is so important because it sets the tone for the entire course and how students perceive you as an instructor from that point on.
A positive first impression when starting a new class, is important for a wide range of reasons. We have all been students at one time or another, and regardless of the setting where the learning experience is taking place, there are some very common issues, while easy to address, that affect the majority of all students.
Students can feel overwhelmed in their first class meeting, either because they are just beginning a training program or because they had a bad experience in the same class prior to coming to you; they also could feel intimidated because they don't know anyone in the class with them, yet they see other students conversing and socializing with one another during breaks and after class. Students could also have a phobia or self-fufilling failure prophecy, whereby they might be more than capable of earning an above-average grade in the course, but due to a lack of support in some critical area in-or-out of the classroom, they are unable to succeed because they put themselves into a mindset for failure. With all of these issues taken into account, it only makes sense that as an instructor you would do your level best to ensure that your students have only the best expectations for the course and its outcome. Why set up another roadblock for the students to have to get around, when it's so easy for you, as the instructor, to remove it simply by being a personable professional who is willing and excited to help them better themselves? A little extra effort in the beginning on the part of the instructor to ensure a good first impression makes all the difference!
A positive first impression is important, it makes the students comfortable. It lets them know that you are proficient in the content area, a problem solver, and approachable when they need you.
It is imporatnt that I create a positive first impression in order to gain credibility from the students.
I agree, we are a model for them.
It is very important because as they say "First impressions last the longest." Students need a positive model the first day of class in order to know what to expect for the entire term. If students get a bad impression of their teachers, they may be less likely to build rapport with their teachers which may affect their attitudes about learning.
Yes I agree!! Students need to know you are approachable and that they can communicate with you.
being ontime and have everything ready
Many Students are very time restricted and you must get their attention first class or they may feel that you are wasting their time and not retrun.
Julia
Hi Joseph,
As a former military person I am sure seeing fellow instructors that are not organized and prepared presents some frustration. I have on a number of occasions been in the copy room when an instructor will run in to make copies for a class that was suppose to have started five minutes ago. The instructor is sweating and flushed and in a panic. For me is just isn't worth it. By planning ahead I can go down to my classroom and greet the students as they come in and then start the class on time with all my materials laid out and ready to go. Saves me a lot of money on antacids.
Gary
It sets the tone for the entire course. One of the complaints students at our school have is that their instructors are not prepared and organized.
Hi Mohammed,
How do you do that when you start a new class of students?
Thanks.
Gary
