Traits of Successful Instructors
In your opinion, what instructor traits and characteristics are important for good classroom management?
Being a fair instructor, but firm instructor. Class rooms can get out of order if you do not show that you are in control. It is not done by yelling, its done by being positive and asertive. If you show that you are timmied and unorganized, that is how the class will react. You show that you are in control and keep the class interesting, keeping them ivolved you have better resaults.
I believe that a successful Instructor Should know the subject matter. He or she should be able to connect with students where they are at. Have a good since of humor, that can be used to set the students at ease . Once the environment has been set by the Instructor learning can now begin.
I believe the traits of the "Guide" are so important in classroom management. I think that making changes and adapting to the class as needed is imperative. There can often be a fine line in being a "buddy" to your adult students and being a "guide". Knowing the subject matter and being prepared are also important traits.
Samuel, great post and thanks for bringing forward the important topic of clearly communicated expectations. Also important is the purpose why these expectations are important and what they need to take away from the learning experience. Keep up the great work.
James Jackson
I think a successful instructor must be objective and flexible in considering the students perspectives and expectations, yet consistent in modeling their classroom management expectations. When relating the relevance of management procedures as they relate to a collaborative and effective learning environment, I find most learners welcome and accept productive management techniques. Adults also need boundaries and clearly communicated expectations, and I find the truly "disruptive" or failing student can quickly turnaround when they understand the expectation and are engaged by the instructor.
Russell, well stated. What advise would you provide to a new instructor on how to best earn respect and what can they do to better demonstrate empathy?
James Jackson
Mohammed, what are some of the ways you are able to get students focused and engaged? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
Anthony, I understanding what you are saying about being intuitive but for those instructors that may not have that level of intuition there are also other great techniques. For example, it is important to ask questions and have students use the question in their answers. Have students respond to a question using a current event or real world example of what they have learned in a lesson. The more we as instructors can ensure students are receiving our information and can make use of that information then by default we can become more "intuitive" or knowledgeable about how our students are moving along the learning spectrum. Fire back if you disagree, this could make for some great discourse around this important topic.
James Jackson
Andrea, well stated and I cannot state strongly enough the importance of student engagement. Sitting in a chair listening to an instructor lecture is not engagement and the research from teaching and learning heavily suggests we as instructors need to get away from our desks and the front of the room and be part of the classroom and mingle with our students. Good stuff and thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
Students respect an instructor who respects them while demonstrating empathy. The instructor sets the tone for the classroom.Being a mentor and guide for student's learning experiences is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.
Russell
kate, well stated and I would also like to add that while students are like instructors in many ways this does not condone instructors acting like students. In other words, we as instructors are professionals and our students have not yet reached that level. This of course is our goal as we matriculate our students through the curriculum but we cannot expect the same level of maturity from our students as we expect from ourselves. I know this is a touchy topic as in Career Colleges we want to think of our students as professionals but the reality is they tend to have more adolescent behaviors that still need work and we need to be ready to face those issues so by the time they do graduate they are ready to take on a more mature world.
James Jackson
John , great post and I especially appreciate your comment on relating the lesson materials to an individuals experience(s). Relating the subject matter to the "real-world" is so critical and students can really miss out when this task is not accomplished.
James Jackson
David, failure to prepare is preparing to fail - this quote really applies to higher education and the focus on earning student trust and building relationships in the classroom.
James Jackson
A good trait is one that the instructor is well prepared. I feel that preparation is truly the best key. Students will feel at ease, and will opt to be more receptive to changes due to unforseen obstacles.
I also stop talking, I tell my students that when I stop talking, they stop learning. This is explained on day one.
An instructor must be engaged in the learning. That means they must not only know the material but also take the time to know their students and truly care about what they are learning and how it will apply to them. Adult learners have a very specific desire to make sure their learning is relevant to past experiences and will be aplicable to future experiences. The instructor must be aware of this desire and strive to develop this self efficacy by relating the material to the learner's individual experience while insuring course and learning objectives are met.
Working in a culinary school as a chef instructor the students tend to be more hands on. That being said the instructor has to be more hands on. There is no desk to hide behind in a kitchen. The instructor must be engaging with all students. The instructor must be a modle for the uniform. Being organized, on time and being highly motivated is a must as a chef instructor.
Lesson carefully and focused on topics is important for adult students
A good instructor will likely have a good intuitive sense for what intervention is appropriate in the moment. There are times when the students crave more structure and it helps to give it. There are other times when it's time to loosen the reins and allow space for input and creativity. In my case I know that I tend to be more of a buddy until the class starts but then I switch roles. In the first few minutes I can be a bit of a controller, but I aspire to be a guide as the class progresses.
