philip,
That is what makes us unique, we understand and empathize with students.
Philip Campbell
Passion and Significance are the most important qualities and makes the instructor highly effective in what they do. Students feel the difference and that difference is in the energy in the subject matter, the attention to detail of the learning student(verbal and nonverbal cues), and adaptability in the classroom to share knowledge/information.
Monique
I'm a true believer in the "humanistic" approach to teaching. What I mean is students are people first, then they are students. As teachers, we must remember that the students come to school with a whole set of preoblems, and we need to take into consideration that they not have brought their "A" game with them. We must adjust accordingly.
pb
joanne ,
Yes, stay energetic and so will your students. Nothing worse as a student than to have a boring lecture and instructor.
Philip Campbell
Loving what you do is very important. Being an educator is a very rewarding job. Especially when you have a passion for the subject matter that you teach. Being passionate and enthusiastic in the classroom really will bridge over to the students. They can feel your energy. What can be difficult is when the students are not as passionate about the subject matter as the educator is. This is where soft skills really come into play and to not let the students ruin your attitude. Always remember, that as the instructor, it is our responsibility to keep a good learning atmosphere in the classroom no matter what it takes. Always stay focused and never lose your edge.
An instructors energy is contagious, it spreads through the classroom just an negative energy does, keep the class energized by questions and examples
Dale,
This is going to sound weird, but keep being contagious. It will help the students and the class progress.
Philip Campbell
Robbi,
Sincerity is easy to spot, as much as someone who is being insincere.
Philip Campbell
Joseph,
If you are energetic so will your students.
Philip Campbell
Highly effective instructors are passionate about their subject and reflect this upon their students. Effective instructors will also exhibit tact when dealing with students. These instructors are often great listeners and, as a result, answer their student's questions most effectively. This is what sets them apart.
Highly effective instructors are able to motivate their students to want to do well. This involves encouragement, even for the poor student. The instructor also needs to show enthusiasm for the subject being taught - enthusiasm is contagious!
I believe instructors who truly care about their students' success to be the most effective. This sincerity can be extremely motivating to students.
While I agree with the answers of my colleagues, I would like to add that I believe an effective instructor projects his/her passion for learning and personal/professional development into each aspect of a course. More importantly, an effective instructor takes personal responsibility for both the delivery of course content and also inspires lifelong learning and curiosity in students.
Effective Instructors don't just delivery content, they inspire intelligence (both intellectual and emotional).
Sonya
Energy is the key. No matter how boring the subject matter is you still need to bring the energy. Your students will feed off of it and start giving off their own energy to make the classroom exciting.
Although it is difficult to define "the most important quality", I would say that an organized, well-prepared, knowledgable, democratic, and flexible instructor is a great instructor.
Ma. Louella ,
I think you will find that most agree with you on this. But some may say w do not want to do this in exchange for academic integrity.
Philip Campbell
Loving what you do, having a positive outlook and wanting to share your enthusiasm with your class is very important. Also being a good role model, having expectations clear and consistent and showing the students how they can be successful can be good motivators for the students.
A highly effective instructor should know how to meet halfway with the students. Our job is to help and educate them and not set them up to fail.
Our standards of teaching should meet student's needs.
Daniel,
as much as we struggle to keep our problems at the door, remember our students do as well.
Philip Campbell
Tasha,
That is something that many struggle with. Practice, practice, practice. As we practice, so should our students.
Philip Campbell
