successful instructors
As an administrator, it is in my opinion, that the most successful instructors are NOT the most popular, or the most knowledgeable, the most successful instructors are the ones who can teach. The individuals who can make a connection with the most unmotivated that is true success.
Thank you Gary for your input. I have found that watching other instructors has helped me tremendously in forming my own "teaching style". I am new to formal education, but a veteran in my technical field (involved OJT of students). When I walk into another instructors class to observe, I can tell in an instant whether the instructor is well connected to their class or if they are just there for the paycheck. Those great teachers give me the inspiration to do better, learn more and be creative.
Vicki
Hi Richard,
Welcome to the profession. I know you are going to enjoy your time working with students. This comes from a person that has been doing it for 35 years and still can't wait to get to class and help students with their learning.
One of the ways you can help develop your teaching skills is to observe other instructors. Take some time to sit in on other classes, the best are those outside of your field because that way you can focus in on how they are presenting material and the ways they are using media. You will be observing techniques rather than content. Read articles related to your field and how to deliver content. Take as many courses as you can to help you with your teaching development as well.
Gary
Also a new instructor and will look for ways to teach... and then discover from the students if that has been successful. And also find ways to become more proffecient in becoming a teacher.
I have found that even though there are a group of students in the class, each should still be considered an individual. I like to get to know the individual students especially their expectation from the course.
Some wonderful instructors in my past implanted a love of learning in me, and I could be a 'professional student'to this day! Nothing excites me more than to lite this love in a student. Each student is different, and to pick up on what motivates them is the key. This takes time,and effort beyond what many instructors are willing to give.
Hi Lara,
You make a number of very good points about how you can be an effective instructor. Thanks for sharing these points with all of us. I am sure they will be of help to other professionals. Keep up the good work.
Gary
In my opinion the successful instructor needs to be a combination of a few things (knowledgeable, trustworthy, helping, understanding, etc...). However, as far as I am concerned, the successful instructor MUST gain the students' trust. The students need to be certain that the instructor knows what he/she is talking about and that they are getting the right answers to their questions.
There will certainly be times when we will be asked a question that we are not certain of the answer. I believe that we should let them know that we are not certain of the answer and that is why we will do a small research and come back with the right answer.
A couple of points I have learned from instructing is that being able to adapt to the situations in the classroom and being consistent are also keys to being successful.
Dave , as allways , you hit the nail on the head . Being a great instuctor does start at the heart of the instuctor. People who enjoy giving of themselves are usually seen by the students within the first day of class . Those who genuinely want to reach and help students stand out in their every word , mannerism ect. Oh yeah , and the technical helps too lol ......
Rachel, it has been my experience that instructors who love the process of teaching will alway develop into the best instructors. If one doesn't love this profession, they will never feel motivated to become a better instructor. We can teach someone the technical aspects, but one must bring "heart" themselves!
Hi Vincent,
"Bad" instructors are those that do not conduct themselves professionally. They do not prepare for their classes, return projects or exams in a timely manner, are late to class, do not present a positive role model for students, etc. These "bad" instructors are the same people that would be considered as being less than capable in the work place.
"Good" instructors are those that are good role models, help facilitate learning and develop rapport with their students. There are many different ways of getting to the above positive reflections of teaching.
Gary
Are they really "bad" instructors, or are they just on a level with the student. I feel myself that I have a great teacher/student relationship. Now, some other instructors may think I am a bad instructor by the way I let loose in class. My students have responded well to my personality. I believe, "blurring" the line is very important to keep student interest. The more you talk down or over the student, the better chance you have of "losing" the student. My students still come back to class and when I ask them a question, they still know the answer. Bad instruction?
I would have to agree. Some of the worst instructors I have seen, tend to the most liked by the student body. Thease instructors tend to blurr the line between insructor and student.
In regards of the statement "A student not doing well in your c;ass, is it a result of you, the educator, not communicating the subject mater effectively to that student? I believe that to be true."
I am not so I agree with that due to a lot of "What if" scenarios: For instance,
1. If the student is doing poorly due to outside issues (Home life, work issues, etc)
2. Due to class size the student needs more indivdual instruction
3. The subject matter truly does not interest the student. For an example, in trade related institutions (culinary schools) where students are more apt to be their to learn certain skills which will assist them in their field.
I agree with you completely. We became educators because of the passion that we have for our chosen field, and we want others to experience that same feeling. I believe that as an educator, you must critique yourself honestly everyday and ask yourself how well did I teach today? A student that is not doing well in your class, is it a result of you, the educator, not communicating the subject matter effectively to that student? I believe that to be true.
I agree on your point. It's the instructor that actually cares for the students and their progress that makes the difference. The difference is the one who takes time to help and makes that connection. I've seen to many times instructors that just push students through just because it a job. A true instructor or teacher is the one, who will stop, and I don't care how many times they have to cover a topic or present it in various ways, they are the ones who help the student understand. A successful instructor is the one who cares.
Hi Charles,
That is one of the key elements of success for a teacher, that being the ability to "read" students. Instructors need to be sensitive to how the class is flowing and make adjustments to ensure that the needs of the students are being met while continuing forward with the course content.
Gary
To be a successful instructor,you must believe in yourself first.The students will see this the minute they meet you.
I agree to a degree, Instructors need to be able to see how a students is struggling and to be open with the student even when the student does not want to recieve help.
But, the student needs to be willing to open up as well to recieve the help that will get him through. Even the best instructor has to learn how to read students.
