Get Your Students Hired
Soneka,
Respect is two ways and must be earned by both parties. You make a good point about how this can be done and why it is so important. Respect is the foundation upon which respect is developed and learning enhanced.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have the luxury of having small class size so at each new start I'm able to greet each new student at the door and have a brief informal conversation with them about commuting distance, weather, traffic, etc., then introduce them individually to the other students. I feel it can help take away that initial anxiety that I remember feeling.
Like they say- you don't have a second chance to make a first impression. I really feel that the students as well as myself on the first day of school are very nervous. This sometimes stops people from saying what is really on their mind.
The students have to trust the person who will be working with them from the get go. The first impression creates the tone of the rest of the class and helps student develop a comfort level with not only the instructor but what the course expectations will be. It is critical that students feel, welcome, informed and comfortable not only with the instructor but that their abilities will meet the requirements for their learning the material.
Thomas,
This is a fun time as students are excited about the new course and what they are going to have to do to be successful in the course. Doing introductions and ice breakers gets them settled in and then you can lay out the requirements and expectations and get the course underway.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Theresa,
It is the foundation upon which of the rest of the course is built so that is why it is so important to make it a good one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
agreed the first day is important,you must tell your students what to expect from your class,tell them about your self and your background in the subject.let them know that your there for them and be positive .
A positive first impression is important because it can get your students excited about the course.
George,
It is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is founded so it needs to be a good one so everyone involved will look forward to future class sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Making a positive first impression is what students will remember. If you are excited about the subject and show the student that you are approachable they will be more comfortable with you. When the student are comfortable with the instructor they will reveal
more of themselves quicker.
Tina,
Right you are. The first impression is the foundation upon which the course is built. We as educators need to work hard in planning and conducting a very good first class so the students will get settled into the course and start looking forward to the upcoming sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A positive first impression is the most important moments of setting the tone for the future of the class. If you are unable to communicate and get through to the students in first few minutes of the start of class, you may never get the ability to gain control of the class.
First five minutes are the moments of making a everlasting impression on your class.
Deb,
It is mine as well. I really feel great when I know I have been able to help students move closer to their career goals and it has been the result of the rapport I was able to develop with them and enjoy we got to enjoy the learning process together.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
What a great way to view the first day of class. I am lucky that I have a smaller group of students, however, making that connection with one student not only puts the student at ease but the instructor also.
The rapport that my classes develop is one of my favorite things about teaching.
Cynthia,
I am sure they do because you are serving as a role model to and for them. As a result they are very comfortable in seeing you as their learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree! I invested in a small, but very professional wardrobe...I feel fabulous when I dress professional, I act professional, I look professional, I talk professional...and when I make eye contact with them, I am thinking, "thank you so much for being here!" I believe the students really respond to that positive vibe I am giving to them!
A positive first impression is important because the simple fact is it is the first impression and students judge us off of it. I always tell them a little about myself and my experience with the field I teach. I also always try to sound and act very excited about the program and to see them here. Positivity is a great first impression!
I think it sets the tone for the whole course. If you don't make a professional first impression on the students on the first day they may run wild on you and be very hard to control for the rest of the course. If this happens it is going to be very difficult for any of the students to learn anything in the course. I think one of the most important parts of my teaching with be the first impression.
Thomas,
Mine as well. I love going into a new class and learning about what life experiences my students are bringing in and that I get to learn about. We have a lot of fun with our introductions and ice breakers so the class gets off to good start with everyone feeling comfortable with each other.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is one of my favorite parts of a new class. It is not what the class is entirely all about, but the perception is created from the first minute as to how the instructor will be received. If the instructor is received well by the students, then the course is off to a great start. The greeting, initial exchange and the revelation of the course syllabus is a critically important pathway to get the class/course on the right receptive footing.