It is very important because when students meet you, you automatically need to be respected. Once they respect you, then they will respect your class, your teachings, and fully dedicate themselves to being your student.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. It sets the tone for the beginning of a relationship with your students. It matters and a lot.
Elizabeth,
Good way to establish yourself as the learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You only have one chance to make a first impression, good, bad, or indifferent. I choose to use some short stories that are entertaining, but relevent to the material. It tends to give everyone a chance to relax and loosen up.
I also discuss my military background and reiterate it later when going over safety procedures. I teach graphics and web design and find my students respond well to my participation in the class projects. They can share in the experience of working with an industry professional.
Denise,
Good point about the ongoing need for continued impressions just not first impressions. This is something all of us instructors need to remember throughout our courses.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First impressions set the tone for the remainder of the class, not simply day one but the remainder of the entire course length. Greeting students as they enter adds a personal interaction between each one and their course instructor. I greet every student individually on day one and then greet and review the module with the entire class. I always try to have a positive impact on that first meeting to let students know I am there to help them succeed.
Stephanie,
I agree with you about the value of a positive first impression. This sets the tone for classes to come and how the students will perceive the instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel that making a positive first impression is important so that your students feel comfortable about what you are teaching. I do feel that they may not like you but they should respect you. If you meet your class for the first time and look and act unprofessional they will think you are a joke. I feel this will also create problems in the class. I do however feel that you should always make a good first impression anywhere you are.
Joshua,
You make a very good point about student engagement and respect. The first impression goes a long way in setting the stage for success in the course for both the students and the teacher.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
John,
I think this type of sharing is important because it helps students to see the value of the experience and expertise you are bringing to them in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You will rarely hear a student say you gave them a positive first impression but they will say that you are one of their favorite teachers when you do. I hear my students talk on the clinic floor before and after classes, that whether they like(d) an instructor just by the teaching style or what their first impression of the instructor. We can't be everyone's cup of tea but as long as we put our best effort forward and deliver with passion. We will get a majority of the students to learn in a positive way.
Giving the students data about me as a professional and some of my work experiences, allows students to formulate a positive perspective of my knowledge of the content area. By explaining the number of years and perhaps some relevant story about the successes i've experienced or witnessed, allows the student to gain confidence in my ability to give pertinent information that they can use to be successful.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. The first impression sets the tone for the classroom environment. On the first day of class students are usually nervous, anxious and have no clue what to expect. Being positive allows for the students to feel welcomed, comfortable and may even take their mind off of any negative feelings they may be experiencing.
Making a positive first impression is imporatant when starting a new class because it sets the standard for the class. As the instructor, you want to create a learning environment that the student can appreciate and also let the student know you are organized, clear and professional. By keeping a positive attitude the students can also maintain a postitve attitude.
It creates the overall culture for how the class will learn. Creates the environment and lays out how your class will see you.
Maren,
Good way to provide support for your students. Having been there yourself you are able to provide the needed support at the critical time to get students engaged and moving forward in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There are often students who have not taken any online classes until mine. I remember how I felt the first time I took an online class in my undergraduate career. The fact that I can recall the feelings of anticipation this many years later means something to me. I make sure to help students get started to remove some of the anxiety they may be feeling. I also think a student will be more effective and successful if they are comfortable right from the start when starting a new class.
Cheryl,
You raise a good point about balance. We instructors need to find that balance so we set the proper tone for the upcoming class sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's hard to decide where to drawn the line on a first impression, if you are too soft they will walk all over you but if you are too strict it may impact the ability to gain their trust
