I have been teaching for the last 4 years and every cohorts have different dynamics. I incorporate and change my styles according to the dynamic, majority a guide, some traits of controller to make sure that the policies are followed;and I expect the best for my students.
Marivic, you bring forward a very important topic. There is a difference between an instructor and an educator. An instructor performs the functions of a job, an educator is fulfilling an internal need to share their knowledge with others. It is similar to the difference between intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. This concept stirs a great deal of debate within the academic community but after working with thousands of individuals over a 20 year career, I can say without hesitation the difference between an extrinsically motivated instructor and an intrinsically motivated educator is noticeable and significant with respect to achieving learning outcomes. I am interested in what others have to say about this topic. By the way, all educators still go by the title instructors so we need to be sure to not confuse the real issue over the semantics of nomenclature.
Regards,
James Jackson
It is important to be consistent and professional at all time. It is also important to try to make the lesson fun while you are teaching.
As different as we are people, there seems to be several traits that educators all have in common, such as the desire to impart knowledge and skills, and even life lessons, to those who seek it. However, not all are created equal. There are some educators who are just there to pay the bills. Then there are those who inspire, motivate and entertain their audience. Aside from being professional, the "successful instuctor" incorporates relevant, real life scenarios into their lecture to bring the lecture to life. They are tactful and patient in their dealings with students because they remember what it was like to be a student. They are also organized and consistent regarding grades,rules/policies and the way they treat students. It is a fine balance educators must teeter back and forth over while delivering the information and skills the students came for in the first place.
Ernida, great points here. Can you share some of your own experiences where you had to work to accomplish any of the traits you have mentioned? I am interested in your experiences that other instructors can read and takeaway some insight and action items.
Regards,
James Jackson
I belive that a successful instructor should have patience, non threatening demeanor, willing to listen, knowledgeable and resourceful
Cynthia, you are so right. When you sum it all up, it is about the instructor just being a caring person but always the model of professionalism. Treat your students the way you want to be treated. DO NOT treat others as they may treat you as this allows them to be in control of any situation. Always focus on your own behavior and model the way.
Regards,
James Jackson
Stephanie, setting the stage early is a very important skill. It is also important to provide constant reminders throughout the duration of the course. You do not need to be in their face all the time but providing helpful reviews of the classroom policies is always a good technique.
Regards,
James Jackson
Gregory, I really like your comment about active questioning. This is such a lost art but so vital for effective teaching and learning. The learning process is not one of staying within a comfort zone. We need to stretch the boundary of our student's comfort zones and prepare them for the "real-world". Active questioning is a great tool to ensure your students understand your message and you understand their understanding or lack of understanding and can make the appropriate adjustments to enhance the overall learning process.
Regards,
James Jackson
Natalie, you provide some great points. Respect of time is important and a general show of respect can also go a long way. I also like how you included how you use humor and paint mental pictures. All these are traits of a great instructor.
Regards,
James Jackson
MARY, great comments. It is all about modeling the behavior you want your students to display. If you want confident and cheerful students then you need to be the model of confidence and a cheerful attitude. The days of do as I say and not as I do are simply over as an instructor. To be relevant and valued in today's higher education environment, an effective instructor needs to model the behavior.
Regards,
James Jackson
Camila, very well stated. Another way of looking at this is be the leader in the classroom you would like to have if you paid good money to attend a course. Always strive to provide your students with the same services you yourself would want you will rarely go wrong.
Regards,
James Jackson
An Instructor should be a Leader and a Guide in leading students for the proper type of learning. An instructor should be a role model that provides discipline to the classroom and students. Maintaining control of the classroom is an important part of proper learning techniques, to maintain focus on the subjects..
Setting an good example is important for good classroom management. If the instructor is consistantly late, the students won't appreciate the importance of being on time. If school policy states no food or drink in the classroom, then the instructor should follow suit.
Another important trait is to be respectful when addressing issues like disciplinary problems.
Don't raise your voice or roll your eyes because the student will concentrate on the WAY you are communicating, not WHAT you are communicating. This breeds resentment and the instructors goal of trying to maintain an atmosphere of learning will go unrealized.
Talk to the student privately and teach them that disruptions affect everyone.
The trait that I find to be most succussful is one of respect of their time. I use their time wisely and ask them how they each learn the material best-visual, reading, etc. I use humor and demonstration for them to picture in their minds and to absorb the material and make it interesting. I encourage them to ask questions so that I can help them understand the material they need. I will explain it in many different ways so that all can understand. To be a successful instructor, you must put yourself out there, be honest and never be intimidating!
In my opinion, knowledge and enthusiasm are the most important traits. Knowledge of the material and a passion for delivery and student comprehension/analysis often lead the students to reciprocate in their desire to learn and participate.
The most important characteristics usually revolve around active questioning and creating a friendly yet professional atmosphere. Students should want to share their thoughts and be understand the classroom norms. If the instructor establishes both, he has created the proper atmosphere. Active questioning brings the material to life and allows that enthusiasm to gain momentum. If you are sincere, professional, and prepared they will respond in kind.
In the end, its about the students. By creating an environment that meets those basic needs, you can shift your energy to the material and your delivery to maximize the learning outcomes.
Really great point Lynae. The important factor is not that the instructor knows all things about any subject but they know where to go and how best to find accurate and useful information. I see this most in those new to the teaching arts, they feel they need to demonstrate dominance of some kind to their students and try too hard to impress their students by their knowledge. Best way to impress a student is to always be honest and share them them that no one knows it all. The focus of any class is to share your knowledge with your students and let them walkaway with a skill of how to continue to keep their knowledge level high and accurate.
Regards,
James Jackson
Lynae, I really like how you described the learning process in your classroom. All of the participants have responsibilities including the teacher and the students. By bringing these responsibilities forward and out in the open you provide a framework that everyone understands and can clearly follow.
Regards,
James Jackson
Randy, I agree that a little humor can go a long way. It should always be appropriate and within alignment of the subject matter but humor done the right way can be a great technique.
Regards,
James Jackson
Stephanie I agree 100%. The instructor is the class leader and leading by example is such a key trait. If the students feel they are in an environment where the policy is do as I say and not as I do then more and more issues tend to arise. Students will given respect if given respect. This is not to say that students should be allowed to rule the environment, be fair but firm and when disciplinary actions are necessary, they are best managed in private.
Regards,
James Jackson
