Instructor Presence and authority
This module showed me a great deal about establishing authority. I had no idea that my biography concering my education and experience would provide this. I always thought this was a way for students to connect with me and not a way to show authority. Thank you for the information. Mrs. Haynes
Okay, I may be one of those old crusty professors But I find that the difficult concepts in economics are often best understood by providing family experiences, employment experiences and academic experiences ...which is often substantial with those crusty old professors.
I am 65 years old, but I still love "heavy metal" and "gangnam style". LOL
Dr. Michael,
All good points. I agree that most students probably don't like 'crusty' old profs.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
At our online university, there is a place in the "Instructor's Office" where we provide a biography of ourself. But I have never had any feedback as to whether or not students read it and, if they do, what impression it makes on them. I believe students want to see that instructors are experienced, educated, credentialed, and able to relate effectively in writing. I think the accompanying photo is important, too--it helps if the instructor is smiling and looks "approachable."
Walt,
Yes, establishing credibility is important for the students to trust your expertise.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Have a strong working background in the subject area or proving you have a lot of knowledge of the subject matter is very important early on. Builds trust and confidence in you as their instructor. Otherwise students may question your ability every time an issue pops up.
Waqar,
This is excellent participation in your students' success, on your part. Bravo. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Yes there are always other standard practices. I like to keep up with my student's job hunts and also always volunteer to write them job recommendations. It's my favorite part of the job!
Waqar
manuel,
Displaying the credentials often provides some "security" for the students and allow them to focus on the studies because they know from where the instructor is approaching the instruction. From that point the trust can continue to build, but sometimes that is a critical point with which to begin for some students. Thank you for sharing your insight.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
It is important to show credentials, to show your expertise in one or several topics, and to correlate this to your working experience.
In my experience I had notice that as long as the course pass and they get to know you better their response and trust in the course an instructor increase.
Hi Nicole,
Great to see you are getting value so quickly from the class! Do you see any modifications you would make to have this work even better for you in your particular classes?
I like this approach, it's really the meet and greet that happens in the traditional classroom setting, but transposed into the online community. I will use this moving forward to ensure that I grab attention, and keep attention throughout the class. Thanks!
Kerri,
Establishing credibility and trust are terrific foundational components to any classroom (f2f or virtual). Reiteration within the synchronous chat, I'm sure, adds strength to that foundation. Do you have any other standard practices that work for you?
It is important to supply credentials and support of your expertise in the subject matter. It generates buy-in from the students regarding your ability to deliver the material.. It also builds respect and trust and establiahes your authority. I go over this on the first live chat to help them get a sense of who I am, my experiences and credentials, and deliver my expectations.
Mrs. Haynes,
I am glad this insight was helpful. With adult learners, the 'authority' aspect has a slightly different effect than with younger students. Think of it as allowing the students to feel secure and be able to trust you as the subject matter expert and director of their learning experience. This aspect is important because it provides them a freedom to focus on what you are providing without using extra effort to second- guess the validity of what is being provided. Your also right that it allows them to connect with you. Very good.
