It seems that many students have an initial resistance to the new instructor because of their fear factor. They do not know how they are going to meld with this new person. It is very important to reassure the students right off the bat by breaking the ice with some humor or personal experience and build rapport
Hi Albert,
Right you are. Your points are good ones for getting students settled into the course.
Gary
Making a positive impression will come, if you follow a couple of basis rules. First, greet the students when they first come to class. Second, tell the students a little about your work history and career goals. Third, have the students tell a little about themselves. Fourth, make the students feel relax about the program and help then to see that coming to the school was a good decision.
An obvious answer to you question comes to mind - it's your only chance! Mishandle that initial impression and you are digging out a the perception hole for the remainder of the term.
Hi Gail,
This also helps the students to get settled into the course since they are encountering a friendly pleasant instructor. It helps to build their confidence that they can be successful in the coming weeks.
Gary
A positive first impression is as important in a classroom as it is in life. People form opinions about people quickly, and it is not easy to counter that impression in the future. I try to be as friendly and cooperative as I can with the students right from the start. That encourages them to model that behavior back.
Its important for students to feel comfortable with the instructor and to know that their instructor is a competent professional. So, its important to set a friendly tone, meet the students informally, and give the students an organized presentation about the course and what is expected of them. My students have responded positively to that approach so far.
Hi Scott,
Plus, you have to dig out of a deep hole if you get the class started off on the wrong foot. It is so much easier to do the planning and have a great first class. This way everyone wins.
Gary
A positive first impression helps establish rapport and trust with the students.
Students need to see professional dress, speech, and communication. If first impressions are bad, the students may not have respect for their instructor and this make take away from their learning experience.
Hi Robert,
How do you see this being done for the students?
Gary
It sets the tone for the future with your class
Students will be interested in learning from instructors who are models of who they want to be in the future.
Your first impression sets the tone for the entire semester. You earn the students respect and it helps establish a rapport with the class. They recognive that you are knowledgeable, prepared and there to help them succeed.
Hi Cheryl,
What have been some of your most successful methods for winning over the reluctant students?
Gary
I think that you have to be excited about your class and the subject. The stduents will get excited about the content if you are. They will want to learn. You may even win over some of the reluctant students.
Cheryl
Making a Positive First Impression is important because it shows to the students that not only do you know your subject matter but you are excited to relay this information. You want to have the appearance that you are in the classroom fo far more than a paycheck: this is what you love to do. When they see you in a positive state, then they want to approach learning in a positive light as well.
Hi Andrew,
I like your approach. The students have to assume ownership of their education at some point. You are the instructor, that means you have already graduated and have knowledge about the field. They haven't graduated. Sometimes I think they forget this fact as students.
Gary
I let the students know that I love people, teaching, and the topic so they can always come to me. However, I also let the students know that it is ultimately on them to get what they want from the class.
A positive first impression is important when starting a new class because student will feel more comfortable and open to learning.
It is the fresh start, the opening of a new door. By showing students you are involved in their learning process by being attentive to their needs and learning habits, it gives them a sense of stability. By being on time and ready for class it shows you care about their learning and have a desire to make learning important.
