First meetings are important in the academic setting, and showing up organized and prepared goes a long way.
It was a good reminder that making an effort to get to know each student is very helpful in building a sense of repect on both sides. The teachers I remember most are the teachers that made an effort to get to know me as well.
the importance of the introduction to the class.
I agree it is important to give students opportunities to get to know one another. From the first day throughout the entire semester, I have numerous class activities that require them to interact either in large groups or dyads.
I have learned that introduction from both sides , (students and teacher) is an effective tool in teaching for many as reasons.
My introduction to the class is important in modeling professional behavior.
Creating an environment for students to understand the safety of the enviornment to provide maximium learning.
First impression is important. I'll make it a point to learn all the students' names and create an environment where students feel comfortable to ask questions and motivated to participate.
Getting to know your students will help teach them more effectively. Have them introduce themselves and provide information about yourself and your background to develop a rapport.
I took away that first impressions are very important, and can set the tone for the remainder of the class, also getting people to interact with people they might not interact with on there own, and that it builds relationships that could just be for the time they are in that class, or could continue through out there career.
Make sure students have a sense of where they are going
I as an instructor can set the class up for success by acknowledging each student and getting to know something about them, being warm and welcoming, and being clear on expectations and the goals of the class.
I have learned that introducing myself and my experience is important for the students. Learning the students names and having clear expectations about what they will learn can help them be successful .
I have learnt that introducing yourself and your experience also has a lot to do with students feeling at ease in the first day of class and this can keep them going through the course. You also have to let them introduce themselves since you also have to know something about your students
Setting a comfort level for a new class, introduce the instructor and share his/her background of their work. I would get a quick name of each student and what they expect this class could do for their career. Make your students feel desired and eager to learn, give them the first day course syllabus and what is expected from them. I don't want my students to feel that pressure, make their learning enjoyable, with real world examples the instructor may have experienced, and shop safety is an important one for my class. No horse play with tools and equipment will not be tolerated.
Sharing relevant experience at the start of an aircraft maintenance class is very important because it builds credibility and trust with students, making the instructor's technical knowledge more meaningful. For students entering a high-stakes, hands-on field, hearing about a seasoned mechanic's real-world examples and challenges makes the theoretical information more concrete and memorable.
- Boosts credibility: In a highly technical and safety-conscious environment, in this case, aviation, students need to believe their instructor is competent and knowledgeable. Sharing a background that includes practical, hands-on field experience and relevant certifications (in this case, an FAA Airframe and Powerplant or A&P license) assures students that the instructor can prepare them for a real-world career.
- Humanizes the instructor: Strategic storytelling from experience can build a stronger rapport between the instructor and students. A relatable anecdote about overcoming an on-the-job challenge makes the instructor seem more approachable and can open the door for students to feel more comfortable asking questions.
- Enlivens abstract concepts: Real-world stories, or "pearls of wisdom" from the field, can make technical material more engaging and less abstract. For example, describing how an engine problem was diagnosed and fixed on a specific aircraft breathes life into a textbook troubleshooting procedure.
- Emphasizes safety and real-world stakes: Real-world examples reinforce why strict adherence to regulations and safety protocols is crucial. An instructor can share a story (while maintaining confidentiality) about a maintenance error that led to an investigation, illustrating the serious consequences of negligence. This provides a strong, memorable lesson that textbook instructions alone cannot convey.
- Models professional behavior: By discussing professional triumphs and mistakes, an instructor models the reflective practice necessary for continuous improvement in a dynamic field. An experienced instructor who is willing to discuss how one has overcome past learning obstacles shows students the resilience and commitment required to succeed in the aviation industry.
Comment on Tiffany Huff-Bryant's post: Absolutely. Awesome.
- Boosts credibility: In a highly technical and safety-conscious field like aviation, students need to believe their instructor is competent and knowledgeable. Sharing a background that includes practical, hands-on field experience and relevant certifications (like an FAA Airframe and Powerplant or A&P license) assures students that the instructor can prepare them for a real-world career.
First impression is everything. If I walk in with stuff falling out of my hand or just right before class starts, i'm sure some thoughts about me will cross a student's mind. If i'm welcoming, and have stuff written on the board, it sets the tone. I always do a icebreaker on the 1st day, I get to know a little bit about my students and what they are willing to share and then I go into telling them about me.
I’ve learned about meeting the class for the first time is that the opening moments can set the tone for the entire course. Building rapport early helps create a positive classroom environment where students feel welcomed, respected, and motivated to participate. A strong first impression communicates both confidence and care for the learners
First impressions are everlasting and serve as a crucial time to show students your professionalism and expertise to achieve trust from your students in your ability to teach.
