Understanding yourself as an instructor is as equally important as having an understanding of who you are as an individual. How you see the world impacts the world around you, how you see others, how others see you and how you see yourself.
I occasionally ask my students, on the first day of class, to introduce themselves. After the students have made their introductions, I have a student that has previously set in one of my other classes, to introduce me. The attempt is to get that student’s perceptions of me as an instructor and a regular person. If I’m perceived to be an honest and fair instructor, than half of the work is done. I can then get in the “drivers seat†and effortlessly lead (facilitate) the class toward meeting its objectives.
Hi Rochelle,
There is a quotation that states "10% of life is what happens, 90% is my reaction to it". We all have control over our feelings and actions. As educators we can apply this "principle" to focusing on student learning.
Barry Westling
I am going to make this short and sweet. I worked for a psychiatrist for a number of years and one thing I learned was you must know yourself!
In order for you to know how you will act or react to something is to know yourself. We are faced with a myriad of circumstances and situations that call for tact, diplomacy, compassion, wisdom and above all professionalism. If you don't understand yourself as an instructor and the role you play in all aspects of being an instructor then you are doing your students a disservice.
Hi Juan,
Many students are serious about their learning, however, some are not. I just feel I'm paid to faciliate the class the best I can while understanding there may be some that are less than successful. Yet, I am comfortable knowing I have tried my best.
Barry Westling
Very good point, every student should be our prime focus all the time and especially in their hour need. It is necessary to always be there and as you stated be their buddy "but not in an inappropriate way, and not more so than any other student." It is great to be a participant when the students are involved in the taking the lead in the class and doing assignments. It is great to see them learn and grow.
Hi Juan,
Good point about favoritism. To avoid that, I attempt to treat all as if they are my prime focus. If the student see me as buddy, I will be that to them, but not in an inappropriate way, and not more so than any other student. By serving as facilitator, I am one of the participants, particularly when students are presenting, leading discussions, leading the class, etc.
Barry Westling
I need to understand that I am the instructor and see myself as an instructor because I am there to help the students through the material, help them understand the information presented, answer questions, guide them in the direction they need to go, and evaluate their progress. I cannot be a buddy or part of the class because I represent the knowledge base of the material being taught and I cannot let it be considered by anyone that I favor one student over another.
Hi Amina,
Good teachers breed good students. If I'm engaged and motivated, so will my students.
Barry Westling
Hi Amina,
Sounds great! When teachers just commit to care and do their best, even shortcomings or weaknesses can be overlooked. We all have a unique personality that is special, and we all have areas we could improve on (ask a good friend, they'll be honest!). So by determining to be exemplary from the get go, day-to-day excellance can be a reality!
Barry Westling
that is so true,I feel that if an outsider is looking into a classroom where a lecture is being delivered,the students are like a reflection of the teacher who is teaching,it is like looking into a mirror,students should be a true reflection of the teacher.
It is important to understand that as an instructor,I will be leading the class towards an unknown journey,if I have to see my self as a successful leader in my field I need to know my strengths and weaknes,I would like to know my highs and lows,bringing in a postive uplifted attitude in the classroom setting everyday is a task which we teachers need in the classroom,it is utmost important that I understand the responsibilty I have towards my students.
Hi Craig,
Another thing I can do is work to my strengths. When I am really excelling in a class, that can overcome minor shortcomings that might also have to be presented. For instance, my white board printing used to be immaculate, and still is if I stop and do nothing else but write. But if I'm on a roll, and try to write on the board to keep up with myself, I tend to get a bit sloppy. So my shortcoming is overshadowed by the greater oral discussion that is occuring at the same time.
Barry Westling
Is it a good idia to let students know you are not perficed
Hi Isaac:
One thing I have found that can help set the stage for equality in the classroom is to use rubrics as often as possible, so there are no misunderstandings about the grading expectations. Also, answering each student in the same manner across the board makes for a "fair" disposition.
Regards, Barry
Hi Carol:
Very true. One thing that may help an instructor see their strengths and weaknesses is using a teaching journal. Doing so allows us to see what works, what doesn't, and what improvements might be made to make for a more efficeint outcome.
Regards, Barry
Shawn,
Right. An authentic "me" will be received better by students, more than an artificial version of someone else. We all have had good teachers we admired and sometimes the temptation is to emulate their manner and ways. What will be missing is the unique, true, effective traits we each possess when we copy some body else. That doesn't mean we can't be inspired by others, and use teachniques learned or observed. But these attributes are best experienced through the real person standing right in front of them - their teacher.
Regards, Barry
If you have a good sense of who you are and what your strengths/weaknesses are, you will be more likely to apply your teaching methods in an honest, sincere fashion that will be heard and understood more readily than if you were trying to force yourself into some kind of style that you were not comfortable with.
Lori,
Secure in our abilities and strong in konwledge base make for better class sessions, and I think students pick up on this very quickly. When this is matched with a great delivery style, students will come to expect great outcomes and enjoy the process as well.
Regards, Barry
To have an understanding of yourself provides confidence in your approach to teaching. This has also open up other avenues of teaching that I may not have realize. I am excited to have this new view on things.
Teresa,
I find that my skills as a teacher require flexibility in how I deliver various segments of my classes. I know students benefit from this adaptation as different topics or activities require different approaches.
Regards, Barry
