Hi Willis,
You are on point! Thanks for making it a point to learn your students names. Students need to know that we GENUINELY care.
Patricia
Hi Karen,
First of all, never let students see that you are upset. Whenever you step foot into the classroom, you should always have your happy face on. Let them know that you are okay, and you are ready to teach. Leave your problems outside of the classroom.
Patricia
What do you do when you are having that one bad day however, and it is hard to hard your emotions. I have had students ask me "are you okay today?" "You do not seem like yourself?" To maintain professional distance, what should your response be?
Hi Karen,
Great response! We must be geniune in our actions. Students can tell when there is fakeness involved.
Patricia
Be on time, be present, and be prepared, that is not only be on time and have your information ready, but be present mentally. Don't just go through the motions, students will see right through the act.
Eye contact with the meeting of each student & repeating their name in the way they want it said; my body language is straight & strong; my communication is loud, clear & concise; good listener, don't cut student off, my work practices are safe, sanitary & experienced; my actions are in sync with my organized manner & direction; my experience from past is drawn upon as examples regularly, each student is valued for themselves & their own work, etc. etc.
An effective teacher acts as an adult, not trying to'be like' the more youthful learners.This requires that we represent ourselves as being SME's,being prepared to understand what is best for our students welfare and career aspirations.
I have always made a concentrated effort to learn ALL my students names before the end of week 1 of a 6 week block. They won't care if they don't think you care. This also helps with the 'silent bobs'
Hi James,
Students do not want to hear about nonrelated class issues. Students want to learn what they need and move on. The whole idea should be strictly business.
Patricia
Hi Glenda,
Absolutely! You are the leader, and you should have the mentality do as I do and not as I say.
Patricia
A few things that I do to create a positive instructor image are:
• Open door policy
• Always come into class and ask them how they are doing / how are classes going?
• Learn their names ASAP
• Ask them questions so that I can get to know them quickly
• Always offer support even when I really don't have the time
• Always come into a room with a smile on my face
• Write them little notes of encouragement
• Bring in a special little treat at the half way mark, just to say "Way to go...half way there...keep it up"!
• And lots more...these are just a few
Cindy R
I believe that you should respect the students along with their different cultures and backgrounds. No two people are raised the same. You should never ask a student to do something that you would not do yourself. You should lead by example.
Hi Brian,
I really like the idea of a handshake. You do not get that much anymore from instructors. Great gesture to building a positive instructor image.
Patricia
It starts with the first minute of each class. A simple handshake to welcome them into your class, spending some time to get to know them and their abilities before you give out the syllabus will establish that rapport and set yourself up for a positive experience.
Build a good rapport with the students. act professional. Get to know the students names. Be sure of yourself as an instructor. Manage the classroom with fairness. Don't waste too much of the students time on non-curriculum stuff.
Hi Edward,
What an awesome comment! Obviously you are thought highly of. I like your idea of leading by example.
Patricia
I adhere to what I teach my students. Maintain your ethics, treat everyone with respect, morality is not just a word. In essence, I practice what I teach.
You must be honest, care about your students, provide a positive image that they can look up to, and realize that your impact on your students will last a lifetime.
One of the best comments I received from one of my students in a Student Survey was, "I hope my son grows up to be just like Ned."
Hi Heather,
It puts students at ease whenever they know that the instructor has impressieve educational credentials and experience.
Patricia
Hi Beth,
I like your thoughts and perspective on a positive instructor image. I can tell you bring out the best in your students by your enthusiasm.
Patricia
I think it is important to love the classes you are teaching, when the students see your enthusiasm for the material it makes them more motivated to be there. I think another to create the positive image is to be positive all the time. You have to leave everything else that is going on in your world outside the school. Students need to see happy, positive, motivated, enthusiastic instructors.
Let them know how I am eligable to teach them - my background etc.
