The 5 C's
I found the five C's of an effective instructor to be interesting they were:
Credible
Candid
Compassionate
Committed
Clear
Has anyone ever felt like felt like they were not as comitted to teaching as they once were due to burn out? If so, how did you overcome it?
Kristin,
This is common so don't be too discouraged. Step back and reflect on what you are doing well. Pick one area you want to improve on or use a different delivery method in. Picking an area like this can help you get your excitement back because it is something new to try. Also, don't let the "weight of the world" crush you. Many times new instructors start to wear down because they are not as successful with all students as they would like to be. It is a reality of life that you can get them all so you need to start focusing on the successes you have. Think about the lives you are impacting and this will help you to recapture some of your zeal.
Another thing is to look for ways to work smarter. Strategize on reduce excessive time being spent on low return outcomes. Are you spending your time where you and your students get the most ROI?
Don't know if any of these comments will be of help but they are what I use with my new instructors when the hit the "wall". If you have any questions or would like to talk further let me know.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I'm new to teaching. I was gung-ho the first 6 months now I'm starting to feel the burn out. Any suggestions on how to get through this phase.
I would say teaching different courses always helps me from burning out, different material different activities is a great way to keep the excitement in your job
Exzelia,
Personal accountability and discipline are two areas I am noticing a decline in with many of our current students. In my classes I set the standards which are based upon field standards and work my students toward those standards. If they do not acquire the knowledge and skills required then they will not pass boards nor get their certification. I explain this over and over to them but they in many cases don't care or don't get it until it is too late. I don't give up on them but I do focus on my dedicated students and enjoy the successes they have as I still love my field and want highly qualified individuals entering it.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I still have a love for teaching but the type of students I have now is causing a bit of frustration for me. When instructed to review this topic or chapter for tommorrow I have students that don't even bring the textbook,or make notes or have an idea what is being discussed. When asked "do you have any questions or do you understand thus far" students are quiet. When given a random question to apply the information or to start a discussion I many times get decreased response. Why this is being more and more frustrating is this is now the majority of the class. I now have students that really expect you to read the book to them, tell them exactly every question that will be on the test, that will not utilize any opportunity for one on one clarification, the office hours, my Email or to call me. The use of reality to apply the new knowledge, or a situation to apply the knowledge is a problem for them to utilize. Having taught far more than ten years :) of teaching in the classroom and in the clinical area this is the first time I have the majority of the class not knowing how to learn.
Having been doing this for over ten years, I can easily say I have experienced burn-out a number of times. I try to ask for different classes to teach so I can take a break from the 'tedium' that can set in. I think about the students who really excelled in my classes, who asked questions that challenged me to be better than I was, and who went on to be successes in their chosen field. By remembering successes, by teaching some different courses, I manage to stay fresh and work myself out of burn-out fairly quickly.
Mary,
I have found that when I develop a new delivery strategy or add new material it gets me ramped up again because I'm not sure how the students will receive it since I have never taught it before. The element of surprise helps me to keep my excitement level high and it spreads to the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
