John,
Well done. I think better instructors are those that are willing to view their instructional activities through the lens of probably needing continuous improvement, no matter how long they have been in their position. When we do that, we are bound to become better instructors. I consider myself as someone who is kind and gentle, tolerant, patient and understanding, and approachable. But it has taken many years to convey these same attributes to my students. I think we all are a "work in progress".
Barry Westling
Jerry,
Yes, this is one aspect. Also, when instructors are presenting reqired information students are often at different levels. To get all students aligned and on the same page, it is helpful to work with individual students with their special needs, explanations, or exercises to get them to the level of understanding desired by the instructor.
Barry Westling
After a year and a half in this profession I still regard myself as a neophyte, so these courses are particularly interesting for me. I stumbled upon the idea of student centered instruction without actually coming up with a formal definition. About two weeks into my third class I had a serious problem with control and had to drastically alter my approach to regain the attention and respect of the students. It dawned on me that while each class group is comprised of a similar spread of learning and personality types, the group persona that they developed after a couple of weeks together could differ radically from class to class. Since then I have taken pains to analyze this "group consciousness" as well as each individuals student's learning style.
By following a student-centered approach, instructors we be able to review and instruct students in areas that the student do not possess sufficient knowledge while not misusing class time on material that the students already know.
Roberta,
Great! When we respond to our students and classes this way, the outcomes students will achieve are just going to be better than if we did not employ the methods.
Barry Westling
Karen,
Terrific! Student centered instructors do exactly these kinds of things, and as the name implies, the instructor is centered on student achivement, whether that is individual or group oriented. In short, we take what we want the student to learn and present it in a way they can understand.
Barry Westling
Each student is a unique individual and the instuctor's approach to teaching the class must effectively reach every student. As an instructor, you must continually assess and know where the student is excelling or struggling, and what instructional methods best reach them and result in learning. Each student must feel that they are important to you, that you care for them and are invested in their educational and career success.
I'm an instructor in a Career College and I have students from varying social and economic backgrounds. One teaching method doesn't work all students, so I have to modify my teaching for each group of students. If I have a student that needs extra time or a different explanation I work with that student after class. Many times the student understands the technical information once the hands on practical demo is shown.
Dustin,
Great. With this type of attitude, students are certainly going to get a good experience from your classes.
Barry Westling
It is all about the students and you want to see them succeed and no matter what the outcome it does reflect on me. Seeing a student succeed is a very rewarding feeling and makes me want to give 100% during each class.
John,
I agree wholeheartedly. I've found that individualizing my instructional delivery as much as possible helps those students who may be slower to grasp key concepts, even when they appreciate and see a practical value in what's being taught.
Barry Westling
In my humble opinion, adult learners respond best to seeing value in what you are teaching to them in the classroom setting. Teaching theory is important, but unless we communicate how adult students can utilize this imformation in a practical setting we lose many of our students. To be a good student centered instructor, I believe that it is important to instruct students in general terms about content and reinforce that content by providing hands on practical experience in a controlled environment.
Joyce,
You may have a point about student expectations. But I also think adult learners in any setting do well when they now the instructions, what are the expectations, and receive a personalized connection with their instructor. That is at the foundation of student centered.
Barry Westling
My personal thought is that being an instructor at a Career College is much more difficult then teaching at other colleges. The students expect more from the instructor because they are paying for it. They also expect personalized attention, therefore instructors may need to evaluate each students needs.
Lynette,
Keeping the perspective you have will assure you will always have the students interests in mind, doing all you can to assist them, and be a significant and memorable resource to their education.
Barry Westling
I think that the students can sense whether or not an instructor is being sincere and truly wants to be there in the classroom teaching. Enthusiasm does go a long way, along with respect for the adult learners and what they bring to the learning experience. It takes a special type of instructor to work with adults. I don't think a day passes where I am not inspired in some way by my students.
Danny,
I think each instructor need to decide how far they want to take their students. Sometimes, I'm really inspired by the enthusiasm and extraordinary intelligence of one or more students and that makes me want to take them as far as I can. In a few cases, they met me every step of the way. Really, really amazing when that happens.
Barry Westling
I Love it when im in the class room with the students...... My only true concern is setting them up for success in the " real world ". I leave all the behind the scenes issues that some times interfaire with that process on the other side of the glass..... Their succeding is my only goal
Valerie,
I like what you said about enthusiasm. As instructors, we have good days and bad days. Sometimes it's not easy to project a positive vibe and convey a sense of excitement about the subject matter. However, it can make all the difference for the students if you do! I try to keep this in mind with every class I teach.
Michelle Mergenthaler
Gregrey,
Yes, this is true. Care and concern can convey much and overcome other shortcoming or errors students may have.
Barry Westling
