Remember why you teach
Always keep in mind that your job doesn't only provide for the transferral of knowledge, but it actually allows for students to rethink about why they are there. If you are not excited about your daily instruction, they will recognize this and it will reflect upon their desire to put forth the effort to take on the challenges of school and be willing to be determined to graduate.
Hi David,
Like the sign. It is the core of why we do what we do and as you say we need to always remember it and make it a part of our mission.
Gary
This should be made into a sign and hung in every instructors office. It is sometimes hard to focus on that simple saying when there are so many other things going on around you. Pressure from administration and frustration with poor attendance or poor participation for a day. I think instructors should not say to themselves I can't wait to go home at this point; instead look at it as a challenge and say I have to get this class on track and then be upbeat and positive and REMEMBER WHY WE TEACH.
There are areas of study that just are so difficult to understand in a classroom. We sometimes fight through it and then hit for some lab time. If it was a difficult lecture, we'll hit it again the next night to capitalize on the highlights while still fresh
So true, always remember it's about the students and giving them all the necessary tools to succeed.
Many times students get about half way through their studies and like instructors get in a rut. As with instructors, students need to refocus on why they are here and how we as professionals are here to encourage that growth
I also agree. The students can detect your mood and it sets the tone for the entire class.
I agree. It's difficult as instructors to maintain our own motivational/energy levels but just imagine what it's like for them to feed off of the lack thereof.
Hi Jamie,
This is why we need to have some options within our instructional planning so we can compensate for those off days and make sure we are going our best for our students each time the class meets.
Gary
Hi Latasha,
It is true. Our mood influences the class so we need to keep that in mind as we approach the classroom each time.
Gary
i too believe that students can tell when you are having an off day just we can tell when they are and i feel it's everyones job in the class to motivate each other
I believe this statment is true. Students can feel when the instructor is down and if it is a everyday thing that will make a student not want to finish.
I agree completely. If you are not excited about what you're teaching how can you expect the students to look forward to class. We have to always set a positive example
Hi Sherri,
So true. We need to reflect on this frequently as we prepare to teach a class session. We are impacting the lives of our students and we need to be at the top of our game to do so.
Gary
