Traits and characteristics of successful instructors include being prepared, flexible, and establishing rapport. The instructor should also have a passion and knowledge of the subject as well as balance that with classroom management. Classroom management entails managing the classroom and handling problem behaviors as they occur. Great instructors need to be able to know the subject as well as management the classroom. If they are not the best at managing, they need to learn in order to faciliate learning.
A good teacher is a consumer of knowledge. He or she knows the subject material and is always searching for new methods and ideas to use. A good instructor shares his/her knowledge with his/her students and colleagues. A good teacher is also looking for ideas to develop themself professionally and personally
I feel that a successful instructor should stay with the tasks on hand and not try to be friends with the students. The students need a teacher not a friend.
Denise , well stated and I would also include the importance of engagement. Keep your students engaged by being engaged ourselves in our subject matter and how it relates to current events.
James Jackson
LeeAnn, what you are describing is a great definition of engagement. The more engaged we are as instructors to our curriculum and to our lesson plans translates into better engaged students.
James Jackson
Tracy-Ann, leading by example is key. As an instructor we must always model the way but we do not have the luxury of allowing poor performance by our students to lesson our own level of effort or resolve.
James Jackson
maria, I agree that an instructor needs to show enthusiasm. Most importantly is to also show control and proper restraint. We can be the cheerleader but must always do so with authority and professionalism.
James Jackson
Paul, great point about allowing students to discover. There are times we as instructors are tempted to just give students the answers as we feel we are doing them a favor. The best approach is to lead them to the answer but allow them to discover for themselves the truths and facts about any given situation. They will remember the information to a great detail and for a longer period of time.
James Jackson
Tina, well stated. The title of instructor does not by itself guarantee respect. Students respect those that earn their respect and it cannot be forced. Yes you can bully them to some extent but you will never be truly accepted if they do not trust and respect you and your lesson plans.
James Jackson
In my opinion a good instructor should be courteous, considerate, and above all, be able to be professionally respectful to all his/her students.
When I begin a new semester I tell my students that we all our a team, and each one of us has a specific obligation while in the classroom. We may not like what another student said, but do not be disrespectful.
Student need to know that you are working with them to help succeed in their endeavor of each an every assignment.I like to let my learner to know that we need to give respect to earn respect.As the teacher I will always help my students in every way possible as long as they are respectful and abide by the rules set forth by the school.
A good instructor leads and lets students discover but is also there to guide through any difficulties.
I feel a successful instructor should have good management of the classroom. He should be a guide and "buddy" to the students. He should show the same enthusiam he expects from his students.
Terence, well stated. Clear, concise, and set expectations early and remind often are all keys to a successful classroom experience for both the instructor and the students.
James Jackson
Clear communication and consistency are two of the most important characteristics for good classroom management. If you don't communicate clearly or enforce policies consistently, students will find that learning will is difficult.
In my opinion, I beleive that instrutors should be respectful, tactful, and deligent to others. we are the leaders of our classroom ,our students look to us for leadership, and motivation. If we lack some of these qualities , then our students will lack the same.
In my opinion the following traits and characteristics are needed by instructors to ensure quality classroom management:
Instructors should always be prepared with a quality lesson plan the materials/resources needed for instruction. Students will respect the consistent preparation and structure the instructor is able to provide.
Instructors should also take the time to set strong expectations at the beginning of a class. Instructors should take time to ask for and receive student feedback when establishing expectations for a class. This will help get ownership from the students so the agreed upon expectations can be consistently enforced and adhered to in class.
Finally, instructors who take the approach of a 'guide' have a better ability to manage their classroom because they are consistently available to their students and have also worked to build the rapport and respect needed to manage an adult classroom. A guide based classroom also enables the students to learn the needed objectives and skills through active learning opportunities. This strategy is an effective way to meet multiple learning styles and student needs at one time.
One if the important trait is, keep your head in the game. Know your material, keep the subject interesting and be aware of the students attitudes. If you are loosing their interest, make a shift.
Traits of a successful instructor is that you first have to know yourself as an individual before you get in front of a class to teach. Also, know your topic, be professional, flexible, and good at classroom management.
I would agree with many others in this forum in that you need to be professional, respectful, tactful & knowledgable in the subj you teach but you also need to be understand the students you are teaching and be able to adjust your style accordingly. You should be approachable so your students feel comfortable enough to ask for help when neded.
I agree, if the instructor bring energy and real life stories into the classroom it can help keep the students engaged
