Five commandments for effective teaching
1. Thou shall be interesting.
It doesn't matter how well you know the material if nobody is listening. Bore your students and they won't be learning from you.
2. Thou shall be excited about thy subject.
If you aren't excited about the subject matter, your students sure as certain aren't going to be.
3. Thou shall be fair and unbiased.
Remember how you felt about "teacher's pets" when you were in school? No more need be said.
4. Thou shall be strict but fair.
Students need structure and expect you to provide it. Students need standards and need you to set them. If you don't follow your rules, you can bet they won't either.
5. Thou shall make sure thy zipper is completely zipped before class begins.
Don't ask. Let's just say I'm glad that you can't really die from embarrassment.
Rey,
Not sure I understand your comment. Can you expand on your comments a little. Thank you for your input.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Number 3 is impossible. A student's perception is their reality. I've had many a student who will complain that I am picking on them when all I am doing is asking questions from student A to student Z and returning back again. When student D repeatedly does not know the answer to the questions--- you are accused of being "unfair" and "picking" on them.
I recall that I have forgotten commandment # 5 a few times. One time a student slipped me a note reminding me that I need to zip!!
I think your commandments sum it up. Be knowledgeable, fun and fair.
William,
I had to laugh at number 5---I would add:
6) If you do something goofy (like trip over a poer cord) be the first to make fun of yourself. It's ok to use humor--even self-deprecating humor--as long as it is used minimally and relevantly. In other words, don't try to be funny just to be funny.
I really enjoyed this list!
Hi William,
Great list. Have been there with number 5. Didn't enjoy the results but at least it taught me to make sure I follow your rule before I start each class. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
