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.
As a teacher, never underestimate the relevance of the information that students can provide about themselves, as this can provide a foundational resource for community building in the class.
I remember my first class ironically i was not nervous I was so excited but i quickly learned setting expectations at the beginning of the course is crucial. my excited was too friendly and I found myself later trying to build respectful boundaries.
I have learned that I first will introduce myself and the course. It would also be good for the students to introduce themselves to the entire class or be put into small groups to meet new people and find a sense of belonging.
Help to calm nerves by becoming a real person to the student. Introducing and sharing who you are and learning who the students are helps them to feel more comfortable and helps you the instructor to be better at setting up your lesson plans to reach each student on a more personal level. It also helps them to get to know each other and have more of an idea of what to expect.
I learned from this module the importance of making an excellent first impression, especially with adult learners and cohort groups. I also learned the importance in allowing the students ample opportunities to interact and get to know each other as well. Both will help motivate students to learn. I intend to have detailed discussions and interactions as a class to facilitate these ideas, as well as meeting individually with students to determine a course of action to motivate them on an individual basis to facilitate learning, and to see them succeed.
First impressions are very important and the first class will set the tone for the duration of the course.
One important thing 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.
I always knew having your name and course name up on the screen when students arrive was important but I never thought about how it makes them feel especially when they are new. Putting them at ease first thing can create a positive and low stress environment.
It is important to make connections with your students, for your students to connect to you, and to connect with each other.
A good way to motivate students is to set manageable expectations
I learned that the first meeting with a class is one of the most important moments for setting the tone. It's a chance to make students feel welcome, comfortable, and motivated to participate. I plan to apply this by being approachable, sharing expectations clearly, and creating an environment that students feel encouraged to engage from the very beginning.
introducing yourself and taking time to get to know your students gives them a sense of comfort.
This is a great reminder of planning for the first day! Providing the students with the information needed for them to be successful. And the opportunity to introduce yourself and your passion for the profession. And getting to know your students and their “why”.
Informing the students on the first day of the syllabus, expected outcomes and objectives lets them know right off the bat of what is expected inn the classroom. I have already made a first day list of topics to discuss that can be used year after year to ensure i get all the first day topics covered.
