Kimberly, your statements really ring true. Give respect to get respect but do not give negative energy back from negative energy you receive or you are no better than the ones give out the negative energy. As educators we need to always wear our armor of invincibility. Not trying to get a religious tone here but the golden and silver rules really apply in our profession. Paraphrasing here, do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Do not treat others as they may treat you negatively as this would go against the firs rule. Also, I am not advocating to accept negative behavior in your class, you need to be professional and remove the negative influence to ensure the rest of your class has a save and trusting environment within which to learn. You can however remove the negative influence in a calm and professional manner. If you lose your cool then the instigator of the negative energy wins and we do not want that to be our leadership by example. Right? : - )
James Jackson
In my opinion, I think that a good instructor should have respectful, professional, and caring traits. I think an instructor should be respectful towards students to get respect from them. I think instructors should always act in a professional manner because we are teaching these students how to be professionals. Finally I think that caring about weather the students are understanding the material and how much they can recieve out of this course is important on being a good instructor.
Yes, respect is key. I would also put honesty in the mix. Being honest with your students, when you are wrong, when something doesn't go exactly as you planned, when you are concerned, curious, excited-- honesty is a powerful thing and students appreciate it.
Professional and knowledgeable, after all respect is earned. However, instructors should not be aloof or immobile where students would be afraid to approach them.
I feel that instructors must be excited about their subjects and be competent in the knowledge of the material. They must also be respectful to students and establish good rapport with them.
Lisa, outstanding point. Lead by example and always hold a standard higher than you would even expect from your students. Be professional because that is who you are and avoid allowing your students to bring you down to a level you yourself would not want to represent.
James Jackson
oliver, always be fair but firm and provide a sense of personal attention. Most students just want to be acknowledged and have their basic needs met. As long as they feel you are being considerate to their needs they will tend to respect your needs as the leader of the classroom.
James Jackson
Michael, fantastic points. I my own career, I have actually recorded my own classroom sessions and have requested various peers and associates to provide me feedback on how I can continually improve my classroom management and presentation skills. Being prepared is the single most significant practice an instructor can actually control.
James Jackson
Setting a good example is very important in the classroom. You are a role model for the students and if you are not professional, how can you expect your students to be?
In my opinion and experience. If you want respect you have to give it. I keep my students at a level just slightly lower than my self and I only raise my self above them when necessary. I seem to have less problem students in my program then some others. I would like to think it is because my students are treated as adults, thus making it common knowledge that they must act as adults.
I value their opinions and it shows in my classroom. The energy is usually one of calmness and respect.
Lois, well stated. For those looking for a power trip, work in corporate america. If you are going to be working in Higher Education, the focus needs to be on the student.
James Jackson
Kevin, trust and respect must be earned, it cannot be commanded so I tend to agree with your statements. Too many instructors feel they have earned the right to be respected because of their title, or letters after their name. No one is entitled to anything and all things must be earned no matter where you sit on the organizational chart.
James Jackson
Marie, modeling the way for your students is a critical part to being professional and successful as an instructor. Student respect and achieving learning outcomes is far more important than how the students accept you as a friend. Students need guidance not more friends. Their friends will not challenge them and push them outside their comfort zones so this will become a responsibility for the professionals in their life such as an instructor.
James Jackson
Kimberlee, what you do on the first day of class will really determine how successful you will be in the rest of the course. Do not just reply on handouts and announcements to explain your course policies. Discuss them with your students and ask if they have questions. You should also discuss consequences that will take place when your classroom policies are not followed. Be fair but firm and enforce your rules to everyone.
James Jackson
Jeanette, not much I can add here. Very well stated.
James Jackson
Lucinda, I agree that patience is essential but it also needs to be in balance with an assertive nature. Always focus on being professional. If an employer would not tolerate the behavior why should you as an instructor? Remember to prepare them for the real-world as well as their subject matter.
James Jackson
Liza, ALL students want to be treated as adults. One technique I have used for years is to include a discussion about what an adult student does and how they should be treated and how an adolescent student acts and how they should be treated. When students hear from me that students in their late 40's can be considered as adolescents and students in their early 20's can be considered as adults the discussion really gets their attention. From that point forward I have key terms I can use when talking with students about behavior and what I expect from them and what they can expect from me based on their behavior.
James Jackson
Letitia, all great traits. Can you think back to a time when you were the student? What were some of the traits of your favorite instructions and which traits were the most noticeable from your least favorite instructors? How can this type of reflection be of value to you as an instructor? Thanks for anything you care to share.
James Jackson
I believe a successful instructor is always concerned above all with creating a beneficial and productive learning environment. The guide is certainly the ideal. But at times the controller and the buddy can be beneficial during the right ocassion. Helping student gain a sense of understanding of course material and arranging class activities to help them achieve understanding and discovery constitutes my main goal as teacher. Creating a congenial classroom helps student better engage in the process of learning. A congenial classroom makes space for all students who are dedicated to learning. Those who are disruptive can hurt this arrangement, but my experience tells me that even disruptive students can be led to take part in the class if the instructor's method of response to them is genuine, concerned, and caring. I aim to achieve the most for my students whenever possible.
instructors should listen and adjust their methods accordingly
