Hi Ronald,
This is a great way to reduce the questions that deal with all aspects of student life. You make a good point that if you don't inform them about such things as weather related school closing methods you get to answer the same question over and over again. This reduces time that can be spent on answering questions related to the content and student development.
Gary
I make every attempt to have a "packaged deal" for the students. A complete pscket of the syllabus, copies of slides for the first four weeks (available on line after that), final project information, listings of helpful text books and where they can get them, and common websites on the weather, road closings, school issues, etc. It shows preparation and time management. It also insures that the student has the info available to them, reducing the "why and when" questions that will come up later in the semester.
Hi Richard,
You hit upon a key point. The students need to know that you care about them and their success. This is how rapport is developed. Also, they know you are there for them should they need your input or advice. By knowing this students are more engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Students need to feel that they have some common ground with their instructor. They need to know that I am approachable for any questions they might have. If they feel they can't ask questions they will soon become disinterested or even disruptive in class later on.
A positive first impression is important so that students know you are capable and knowledgable about the subject you are teaching them.
Hi Susan,
By creating a positive first impression you are laying a solid foundation for the upcoming course. You are setting a tone of professionalism that is going to caring through the entire class. Good strategy for helping to make class management easier by establishing a supportive environment.
Gary
Making a positive first impression of yourself, helps the students relax a bit on thier fist day. Personal appearence,confidence and presenting yourself as not only a professional in the field, but as a caring intructor, who finds teaching very rewarding. The students learn about you and your personel experiences in the field, and become interested in get started.
Making a positive first impression is important because the students are looking for what kind of instructor you will be. Personal appearence, confidence, professionalism and sharing previous experiences in the field, will encourange the students to relate to you more easily if they learn about you and your past history in the field, and get a feeling of what to expect of you in the future of the course.
Making a positive first impression is important because it represents the school, classroom, and coworkers gives the students something to feed off of.
Will set the tone of the class for that day and the remainder of the course. Will also let the students feel comfortable in the class
A positive first impression sets the stage for the term. Along with appearance, the instructor's expectations should be expressed on the first day. By setting the stage, the students will give you the respect (hopefully) that the instructor should receive.
I think it is the first impression my students remember most. While introducing my self, my course, the syllabus, and evaluation procedure, I am well-groomed, upbeat and positive, and discuss learning about environmental science in a positve, proactive manner so that everyone can learn something. Later, after the first quiz or two, some students may appear worried, but being positive the first day is a great reminder for when I need to turn it up a notch as the course proceeds.
People make a decision about others within seconds of meeting them. First impression contribute to establishing a person's expertise and whether you want to listen to them.
Students need to feel safe, valued, and comfortable in the learning setting. You need to facilitate that by establishing rapport and letting them know that you are approachable, reasonable, and expert. When the students are comfortable with all that, they can concentrate on the course content. The sooner that happens, the better.
Giving a positive first impression entices and excites students about your class. I am well prepared with handouts and assignments that aid me in explaining them, and aid students in a clearer understanding of what is expected of them.
They ar more at ease in this way.
A positive first impression is important because with it we create a positive environment. Once students are comfortable around us they seem to be more confident and the participation rate goes up.
It is so easy to make a positive first impression if you are genuinely interested in the success of each student.
Its really abou setting the tone and if the students get positive energy intitially then they will have the stamina to get thru the difficult parts of the class
I have found that if my students like me they will listen to me and learn more. An effort on my part during the first class really sets the stage for the entire quarter. If I am positive they will be positive.
I feel it sets the tone for the entire semester ahead.
