Choose your atitude
As instructors, we must remember that students take their lead from us to how they will approach the subject matter. We must choose each day to make the learning environment pleasant and comfortable in order for students to be able and willing to learn and retain the material at hand.
Lead by example, and leave all outside pressures and concerns at the door.
I completely agree with you Michelle. As a massage therapist and a massage therapy instructor I find myself telling my students this over and over again. If we're in a poor mood and have to give a massage the client can easily pick up on this negativity. I have students come in (especially the younger students- 18-22) that are having relationship issues and I have to sit down and let them know that they have to leave it all at the door when they walk in the building otherwise when they're out in the working world people aren't going to want to come and see them for a massage. That probably sounds really harsh as text, but I do not ridicule them or talk down to them when I tell them this information. I just want them to know how important it is that they are in a good mood or can at least fake it for the time being. If there's something major going on they will let me know, but usually what bothers them are the small things.
If they continue to let their mood take over I usually make them take a break because their mood affects the entire classroom environment as well. Luckily this doesn't happen very often, but I'm always prepared for if it does.
Hi Elizabeth,
Spoken like a true professional. You know your professional obligation and you bring your A game to the class each day. Once "off duty" you can then go back to the live issues that you are facing. This is also a skill students need to develop if they are going to be successful in their careers.
Gary
A good attitude makes everything better. Even when things don't go as well as you would like, just being positive and looking on the bright side sets a good example for students or anybody to follow.
One thing that I have come to realize is everyone has issues!!! That includes the teacher, but just as we expect our students to deal with their issues and do their work, so must we. I have had lots of personal issuses which have made it hard for me to teach, but even though I may be crying at the break, I know that I have a responisiblity to my students and given them the education they deserve!!! Our students will have to do the same thing when they are in the field. One thing that has always helped me is to fake a smile, after a while that smile becomes real and I end up having a great day.
I couldn't agree more. My students always seem to know if i'm extremely happy or upset/angry about something that's going on outside of work. Even when i'm not conciously thinking about it. We have to make sure that we do our best to check our bags at the door.
Hi Steven,
Your two words "motivator" and "leader" are powerful indeed. Both are a must if we are to be the professionals we claim to be and if we are going to reach our students. Thanks for the comments about how we can be both of them daily.
Gary
Everyday is a new and exciting day in the class room. Everyday we as instructors need to make sure we have a comfortable learning environment and encourage our students daily. Our attitude is a reflection on how are day will go. You must be a motivator and a leader daily.
Hi Steven,
Well said and the quote is perfect for the situation. With all of the blame shifting in our culture we need to help students to see that it really is up to them to create their success.
Gary
This is an important point. We are in control of our attitude. Abe Lincoln said that people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. He's spot-on. Happiness--or unhappiness--is a decision. When we choose to be positive, fair, and caring in the classroom, our students will follow suit. It's inevitable...and quite remarkable!
Hi Andrea,
This is called "getting control of the job". Through experience you have developed your instructional style and a level of comfort with being in the classroom. This is where teaching becomes even more fun because you can enjoy your students even more. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Lead by example is a great phrase that applies to everything in the classroom. As an example, if I am stressed out or I have an off day, I have to keep my sense of humor to keep my students engaged. The "human side" of the instructor that so many people keep discussing must be a factor in my class. As a new instructor, I was very ridid at times. Now that I am much more comfortable in my work role, I laugh a lot more, especially at myself. This has helped with student sucess.
I agree with leaving all our personal problems outside of the classroom, we are here to provide a positive environment, for our students
There first impression of us as an instructor, will be more than likely what they remember in the future.
Hi Charles,
Good way to "read" your students and then adjust as needed. This is a sign of a focused professional educator. Keep up the good work.
Gary
My attitude is so important in class. I can tell what my attitude is by the attitude of my students. If my students are bored, falling asleep, not into the material I know that I must not be being a very engaging teacher. Often times when this happens I will stop and relate some sort of professional experience I have with the material we are learning. This reengages the student and they get to hear a real life perspective on the material they are learning.
Hi Timothy,
You have a good grasp of what it takes to be an instructor as evidenced by your forum comments. By making the students comfortable and feeling supported they will be more ready to become engaged in the course.
Gary
Hello, as a new Instructor, I am learning that my approach through out the lesson has to be positive and caring, the more comfortable I am the more comfortable the students become, making a pleasant learning environment.
I also find that sharing my personal and professional experiences with the students helps them learn and reatin the information. I always found that when the instructor was able to turn difficult course material into a real life example I was able to better grasp it.
Hi Michelle,
Good advice for all instructors. Thank you for sharing it.
Gary
I agree, Michelle! I also find that when I share stories about my experiences on the job, even about my family that the students seem to relax a bit. They see the human element within me. (I always keep it in line with the subject matter at hand.)
