Ophelia,
Yes we are. We don't want people scared in the classroom. Should be a safe place.
Philip Campbell
Clearly defining course objectives, discuss how the objectives will be met and the work measured, and staying organized and on task.
Highly effective instructors are both approachable, knowledgeable, and manage their time well. students need to feel comfortable asking questions- learning in a non-threatening environment is key to effective classroom management, teaching, and learning.
This is very true. I find that my students try harder once we develop a good relationship. This takes away the thought of them being scared of the teacher. After all we are all human beings
Having a positive attitude in the classroom. Show that you want to be there and enjoy what you are doing.Students can pick up negative emotion and they tend to then shut down.
Maureen,
Feedback is crucial no matter what stage of the game you are in. Providing feedback is important especially for students.
Philip Campbell
I see many responses here reflecting the importance of instructor enthusiasm/passion in the classroom, and I agree that is extremely important. Enthusiasm is contagious! I also think that modeling professionalism in the class in terms of being prepared, starting and ending class on time, dressing appropriately, and treating others with respect is very important. I think it's hard to narrow it down to ONE quality, when, in my opinion, it is many qualities put together that make the most effective instructors.
At my school, there is one instructor who the students just love. He motivates, I suppose. But one thing I have noticed is that his universally positive comments do not allow the students to do their best work. He loves everything and never pushes them, or finds ways for them to improve. Generally, the students are also aware of that so they seek more critical opinions.
Andrea,
Lets just say that both of those are great choices. It is hard to pick one. I think the more we think about tall of them and try to integrate them into our everyday the better off we are.
Philip Campbell
Oops, I put too many qualities in my last response. It's so hard to come up with one quality that is the most important. For me it's a toss up between having integrity and relatability.
So true, the students really need to feel cared for and like we are there for them.
I think what makes an instructor highly effective is multi-faceted. First and foremost is a passion and excitement for what is being taught. Also important is the ability to engage the student in conversation about the topic and to be able to offer real life applications, all while being aware of what is personally going on with the student, being a good listener and providing a safe and respectful environment in which to learn.
Allen,
Yes, soft skills are always something that you can lean on in a tough situation.
Philip Campbell
Isabel,
I like the fact that there are instructors who are willing to go out and do things differently. Experiment and take chances and your student will love you for it.
Philip Campbell
Rely heavily on soft skills when that one student puts his head down and gives the impression your high energy presentation is boreing to him.
In my experience, what I have learned is that the instructor who is not afraid of being imperfect can gain trust and confidence in the majority, if not all students in the class.
I believe that it is this soft skill that makes the instructor one that is known as a "good instructor".
Subject matter competence is integral, yet more so is being able to connect to the students to stimulate their own desire to learn.
I have gone through extreme challenges over the past several years and I found teaching therapeutic. I raised my energy levels for each class because their education superceded my own issues. In turn, being happy for class elevated my sense of well being and from this energy able to meaningfully deliver to the students.
I discovered that students thrived when they saw themselves being able to fully understand the objective of the lesson for the day.
i have been teaching for LCB for the last 12 years. i have found that my attitude makes the most impact on the learning enviroment.
Competence, enthusiasm, and a passion for sharing that with others! I work hard to translate my love of the History of Art courses that I teach into something that my students can engage with, embrace, and build upon in terms of their overall education and curriculum. Soft skills factor into this in terms of effectively communicating that passion to them, while also empathizing with them as students and partnering with them toward their successful completion of the class!
Frances,
Being nice is not something new, but sometimes the easiest thing to do. You are correct, that by being nice never hurt anyone. Keep being nice and stay positive. That will help to overcome many obstacles that you may face in the classroom.
Philip Campbell
