A good teacher has been a student at some point...
We have all been the learnee. (Student) I know that I base alot of my teaching style on those that I learned from as well as those who taught me to teach (trained me).
Hi Venda,
Good point. Learning each day is part of the fun of being a teacher. It keeps up engaged and excited about what we are doing and it helps motivate students.
Gary
We are all students each day...let your students know that you learn from them as well.
Hi Carlos,
You are definitely making your instruction "real" for your students with your methods. By showing your students the successes and challenges you have had in your career you are helping to create a vision for them. This will make their transition to their careers much easier.
Gary
I agree.Those who inspired me and increased my knowledge I try to imitate. Those who did the opposite I try to see solutions and improvements and apply them instead. Things which I wished someone would have taught me but I learned on my own in the field I definitely teach. I try to apply my victories and losses as a student in order to better understand and teach my students sucessfully. All these things facillitate great instruction, education, and joy.
Carlos
Hi Kelly,
What a great attitude of development you have. By being open to new instructional strategies even after your high school teaching experiences you are showing what a professional you really are.
Gary
I was a high school teacher for many years, and when I transitioned to the career college classroom I was nervous that many of the students would know as much if not more than I did. I learned that being open to learning new tips and skills from students helps build a strong rapport with the class. Students enjoy the opportunity to be the teacher sometimes. Some of the students already work in the industry and can share valuable on the job lessons with other students. It builds their confidence and shows our willingness to be life long learners.
Hi Stephen,
Good point. The old saying that "teachers need to be life long learners" certainly is true. This not only helps us to be better instructors but it is a fun part of our profession. Learning new things allows us to expand our knowledge and be creative in the process.
Gary
A good teacher has been a student at some point? I believe that a good teacher is still a student each and every day. Our industry changes every day. Our student rosters change every 6 weeks, and let's not forget the daily life we live. There is not a person in this world that we cannot learn something from. The question we need to ask ourselves is, "what am I going to do with what I have learned?"
Hi John,
Good plan and good strategy for keeping students first in your thinking. By using your experiences as a student you are able to make the adjustments that are needed to keep your students engaged and forward focused.
Gary
When I am teaching a new skill to a student or group of students I try to remember what it was like for me to learn that skill & master it,What helped,Maybe even what mistakes I made or saw other students make,& Share some WORDS of WISDOM that someone may have shared with me that made it easier to learn the new skill. J.P.
Hi Joslynn,
Spoken like a true education master. Your learning experiences are being used to help others that are following your career path.
Gary
I remember the teachers I learned the most from in culinary school. I apply how that teacher explained measurments to me in my class every day. He broke it down so I could understand it, as well as for the the other students. I use this method in my classes now so I can help my students.
I try to look back how I learned from when I was in school and try to apply those methods.
Hi Karla,
You are in the right track with your ideas. Work to earn and give respect to your students. Rapport is powerful so the more you can develop that the greater your success is going to be with your students.
Gary
I don't want to make the same mistakes that some of my previous instructors did when I went to school, therefore, I make sure that I help as much as I can to my students and make sure I build my rapport with my students so when they leave, they can feel that they were taught in a very positive environment and were able to grasp as much as they could.
Hi Ron,
You make a good point. What is the greatest thing you got from having worked with the seasoned pros that has helped you with teaching.
Gary
I did go to school for auto body, however before I went to school I had already been in the field working as a painters helper. Just that little bit of learning from seasoned pros helped greatly.
oh yes i always let my students know that i have set in there chairs before i got here
I think that is a good observation. I try to use those teaching methods and styles that I liked the best as a student.
