Positive first impressions set the tone for students - it helps you gain their respect right from the start. If you expect great things from your students, you too have to be great!
I think the instructor really is opening a short-term relationship with students, who can take knowledge from it. The more favorable the student feels toward the instructor and the course, the more he or she will invest into it. I think the teacher also wants to ease any apprehensions on the part of students, as well as to establish his or her own credibility in leadidng the class.
Hi James,
A simple yet critical factor in setting the tone for the up coming course. Instructors cannot overlook how important this is if they are going to be successful in teaching.
Gary
Building trust is such a big part of the learning environment. Students need structure and organization, so getting it right from the first second of class makes all the difference.
There are some excellent observations in this thread. A positive first impression in the classroom is important for the same reason that its important outside of the classroom.
Students will make initial judgments about the instructor (does she know what she's talking about? did she show up on time? is she friendly? etc). For all the reasons it's to the instructor's advantage for the rest of the course to put their best foot forward that first class.
I maintain a professional attitude but am supportive by being accessible and approachable. I maintain a open door policy. I find studennts respect a dedicated instructor.
I try to let the students know a little about what's important to me on the first day of class, by sharing some things about my background (and why I love combining food and writing), by telling a story from my childhood when they share their stories (favorite food memory), and by giving them a Yiddish word of the day, which lets them know about my passion for interesting words. Hopefully this helps them see me as a person rather than as "The Teacher". It seems to work well for me much of the time and with most students.
A positive first impression will ease some of the first day nerves and allow for a comfortable and yet desired learning environment. This will also allow you to present the course and the expectations throughly and intricately while allowing the students to feel comfortable.
If students get a impression of you as a caring person who is friendly and will try all methods to help them learn, you are off to a good start. I discuss learning style with my students on the first day.
it helps the students to know you and make them more comfortable in class.
Making a positive first impression sets the tone for the class. People in general are judgemental by nature and what you express on that first meeting seems to linger on. If students get a positive first impression, they are likely to demonstrate wanting to be in the classroom.
Basemeh
It is important because it shows the students what type of teacher you are and sets the guidelines for the course. It is also important during this first meeting not to be too rigid giving a wrong impression that you are unapproachable.
It puts students at ease and sets a clear understanding of my expertise so they feel confident in my class.
Hi Estella,
This is so important and it sets the tone for the upcoming classes. This first class meeting needs a prepared and organized instructor ready take charge and be the instructional leader. By doing this the job of teaching will be much easier.
Gary
I believe making a positive first impression is very important, because it sets the mood for the rest of the class. The class is more out to respect you, and it will help the class run more smoothly.
It is important in order to establish respect for the position you hold. Your first impression determines if you will be taken seriously.
Hi Louis,
Good point about first impressions. This is critical for setting the tone for the upcoming course. By showing yourself balanced between being organized to being supportive and approachable you are setting the student for a positive learning experience.
Gary
Making a positive first impression is very important as it gives the student or whoever you are speaking to a brief impression of who you are. For myself, I talk about my experience in the military but I also crack some jokes here and there. This gives students a brief idea that I can be very disciplined and firm but still flexible and fun at the same time. You don't want the students to be scared the first day. You want them to come back the next day!
~Louis
Hi Sharon,
You have a very professional attitude but you are supportive of your students by being approachable and accessible. This helps the students to see you as a dedicated instructor and this is from where respect is developed.
Gary
While is a beneficial to both instructor and student to establish a rapport from the very first day of a class, it is also a first impression to "read" the class or teacher. How many of us can pick out the trouble makers who like to act out and disrupt other students? I strive for a no-nonsense, professional approach but also let students know that I value their opinions. An open door policy has always worked for me by indicating to my students that I am approachable and care about their education and am willing to assist them outside of class.
